PANAJI
With a focus on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy to all CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated a solar-based electrification programme for remote rural households in Goa.
The solar PV based home lighting systems for households was inaugurated only two days after the Agreement was signed between Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) and Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA). This project will bring electricity, through renewable energy to areas in Goa where grid connectivity is not feasible.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CM Sawant said, “On Goa Statehood Day, it is a proud moment for us to announce that we will achieve 100% electrification for all homes in Goa, and that too with clean energy. We have made policy decisions for Goa to transition to a green state in a fast and concerted way. I congratulate GEDA and CESL for their good work.”
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral was also present at the occasion and said: “In Goa, we are committed to providing green and clean energy access to every single household. We are very happy that on Goa Statehood Day we are flagging off this high-impact, and crucial project and that GEDA and CESL are working together towards expanding solar access to off-grid and kachha houses in the state.”
Kunal, Secretary of Power, said, “The solar lighting programme will improve the economy of rural households, and will contribute to inclusive local growth. Goa’s villages will benefit from solar lighting, cheaper electricity and this project is important for Goa’s energy transition, and it will steer rural development and growth. In the coming days, it will also increase off-grid solar electricity demand in a rural area, which will, in turn, improve the services.”
Sharing her views on the programme, Ms Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL, said, “We are so proud to begin this project on Goa Statehood Day." Alexio da Costa, Director, DNRE said, “India's early adoption of solar energy and provision of very cost-effective solar power is encouraging and will lead to providing greater access to solar in off-grid areas.”
