Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, inaugurated a solar-based electrification programme for remote rural households in Goa, on May 30, 2021.
The solar PV-based home lighting systems for households was inaugurated only two days after the agreement was signed between Convergence Energy Services Ltd (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.
This project is CESL’s first off-grid electricity engagement that will install and maintain solar PV systems for five years under the Remote Village Electrification (RVE) programme of the Government of Goa. CESL will undertake the project across villages and hamlets of Goa in coordination with Gram panchayats.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “On Goa Statehood Day, it is a proud moment for us to announce that we will achieve 100 per cent 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.”
Goa attained statehood on May 30, 1987. Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961.
Parimal Rai, Chief Secretary and Chairman GEDA said, “Remote rural communities will greatly benefit from this solar home lighting programme. Our national climate goals will get a fillip from state actions, and Goa with its policies has increased its ambitions. Our outreach to the remotest corner will strengthen climate resilience of communities and contribute to climate change mitigation.”
According to Ms Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL, “We are so proud to begin this project on Goa Statehood Day. Everyone we have been working with in the Government of Goa has shown us nothing but leadership and drive, and I commend the Government for assuming a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to achieve 100 per cent electrification. Access to energy is a basic need across all sections of development and we are happy to be making this happen.”
(Featured photograph for illustration only)
