Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: Power and Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Saturday said the government promises to liberate Goa from fossil fuel by finding out ways and means to make the State self-sufficient in power generation.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the State’s first integrated renewable energy solutions and foundation stone laying ceremony for the 100 mw solar project at Cuncolim Industrial Estate power sub-station.
WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias, Power Secretary Kunal and other dignitaries were present.
Cabral said, “Goa entirely depends on other States for power. Since we don’t have our own power generation we face problems like power failures, etc. Our motto is to make Goa self-sufficient in power and to make this dream into reality we are going for solar energy. We will set up such solar projects across Goa on barren land and we need support and cooperation from other government departments like WRD, Comunidade, Devasthans and other organisations. Through Energy Efficiency Service Limited, the State government will set up solar plants with help of CESL by spending Rs 450 crore.”
Cabral said, “After completing this project, the government will save nearly Rs 2,500 crore. Over four lakh households will benefit from this project and it will also help to avoid greenhouse gas emissions.”
The WRD Minister said, “The government’s concern is to save our environment. The government is bringing innovative and sustainable projects which are going to benefit the people in the long run.”
MLA Clafasio Dias and others also spoke.
Mahua Acharya, CESL MD said, “This project covers street lighting, domestic lighting, energy efficient cooking and e-mobility and will come at Cuncolim Industrial Estate near the 33kv power sub-station.
