PANAJI
The Goa government on Thursday admitted that its scheme to popularise solar energy has unfortunately found few takers. The discouraging response from the local consumers has, at least for now, shattered the BJP-led government’s vision to make the ‘sunshine’ State the first in the country to have 100 per cent renewable energy.
Addressing the first International Environment & Sustainability Summit in Goa, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral appealed to the people to accept and support the government’s goals for sustainable development.
“During my past tenure as the Minister for Power, I introduced a 50 per cent subsidy scheme for household consumers of solar power... We envisaged that as Goans we would be the first one to jump on, but unfortunately, we (government) did not get that kind of support (from the people),” he said, after inaugurating the event attended by government officials, experts and delegates.
The minister reiterated that the government will continue to put its efforts to achieve its goal envisaged in the State Solar Policy.
“…you cannot have coal generating emission plants in the State of Goa when … if you find that entire country and the world consumes 80-85 per cent of energy from carbon footprints... As then Power Minister, let us give it a different approach and see how as individuals who always ponder and speak about supporting the environment… I introduced the subsidy scheme for domestic consumers,” he added while referring to protests against three infrastructure projects including power transmission lines passing through Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary.
The minister also reeled off a list of schemes started by the central and the State government including a push for electric vehicles.
The Solar Policy, notified in December 2017 started with a 50 per cent interest-free loan component. Due to the poor response, the policy was amended in February 2019 with 50 per cent capital subsidy to beneficiaries of residential/ institutions and 20 per cent subsidy to commercial/industrial.
