EESL signs MoU with DNRE Goa to implement India’s first Convergence Project

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power and Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Goa, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to discuss rolling out of India’s first Convergence Project in the State.

Under the MoU, EESL and DNRE will carry-out the feasibility studies and subsequent implementation of decentralized solar energy projects. EESL shall implement the solar energy projects, establishment of 100 MW of decentralized ground mounted Solar Power projects on government lands to be used for agricultural pumping, replace approximately 6,300 agricultural pumps with BEE star rated energy efficient pumps and distribute approximately 16 Lakh LED bulbs for rural domestic households.

Speaking on the occasion, Power Minister R K Singh said, that the MOU signed between EESL and Government of Goa today in some sense marks beginning of fresh green revolution. He said, “This model is expected to be adopted by other states as this will reduces losses in terms of expenditure on water for farm sector runs into tens of thousands crore rupees in several States. That preempts state spending on health, education, and other important sectors.”

Speaking on the occasion, Nilesh Cabral, Power Minister, Goa, said “Goa is the first state to adopt Convergence. The project will accrue savings of Rs 2,574 crore to the state over the period of 25 years, while improving the health of DISCOMs and providing cleaner power. This project will provide clean day time electricity to farmers as well as energy efficient pump sets which would reduce the power consumption as well as T&D losses associated with transmitting power to agriculture and rural feeder networks.”

The projects will accelerate the usage of renewable energy sources, especially for agricultural and rural power consumption in the State. The projects will also contribute in reduction of peak energy demand through deployment of energy efficient pumping and lighting thus contributing to overall sustainability.