Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Taking advantage of the Government of Goa’s facility for net metering that facilitates the storage of surplus solar energy generated in the grid, the Goa Institute of Management (GIM) installed a 675 kw solar power plant (90 per cent of its registered Max Demand) at its Sanquelim campus.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The facility constructed on an Opex basis by JLTM Energy India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Technique Solaire of France has a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed by GIM with them for a period of 25 years, at a power price that is substantially lower than the commercial tariff imposed by government on privately owned schools.
The Opex contract requires GIM to purchase all the power generated by the power supplier and the net metering permits the consumer to store the excess power not utilised in the grid for use subsequently, except during peak hours.
All the capital investment as also the operation and maintenance is ensured by the Opex operator, who guarantees a minimum generation, failing which he pays a penalty equal to the difference between the tariff charged by him and the grid tariff.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Power Minister Nilesh Cabral said, “This premium solar system installed by GIM is the largest in the State. Am also happy to see that the panels used are of premium quality and the very best of what is available. There are various technological advancements being made in the area of power and GIM has sought the best technology and used it on campus. I congratulate the director and the project team lead by Peter D’Lima, who made this possible in such a short time.”
GIM Director Ajit Parulekar said, “GIM has always been conscious about the impact of its decisions on the ecosystem around it and has continuously strived to reduce its carbon footprints. Measures include rainwater harvesting, solar-powered streetlamps, solar heating, treatment of water for reuse, tree plantation drives and more. GIM is committed to following sustainable practices.”
