Coming up is carbon neutral Union Territory of Ladakh, courtesy CESL

New Delhi: Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the administration of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, to make it a clean and green UT. Under the MoU, various clean energy and energy efficiency programmes will be implemented.

Beginning with a pilot in the Zanskar valley area, CESL will take up solar mini and microgrid solutions, energy-efficient lighting, energy storage-based solutions, efficient cooking stoves and electric mobility solutions in the UT.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Power, CESL will build the EV ecosystem for the UT, focusing on EV charging infrastructure which will utilize renewable sources of power, and electric vehicles (EVs) that are being tested for high altitudes. Like all CESL's projects, this programme will also be based on innovative business models, using carbon credits.

The Administration of UT of Ladakh will support CESL with investment in projects, including the pilot, and will also assist in the business development of various clean energy and sustainability programmes of Convergence. Based on the feasibility and outcomes of the programme in Zanskar, other areas will be assigned to CESL. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil/Leh, will provide the requisite land in respective council areas, for the implementation of the clean energy projects.

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Speaking on this, CESL's MD & CEO said that Ladakh is one of nature's gift to our country and it is of great importance to preserve its ecological environment. Usage of carbon-intensive fuel in the UT is leading to great degradation in the area. With this MoU, CESL and the Ladakh administration intend to implement renewable, energy efficiency, and electric mobility projects that will go a long way in saving Ladakh's environment. CESL will come up with clean solutions for home appliances, electric heating, cooking, pump sets for Ladakh's very cold temperatures. CESL will be able to eliminate fossil fuel in furtherance of Ladakh's carbon-neutral goal and provide clean energy access to the farthest hamlets of the region. It will also save the exchequer great expenditure borne on fuel and its transport.

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