Lakshadweep rides on Solar power; new on-grid plants to bolster archipelago’s sustainable energy solutions

Lakshadweep rides on Solar power; new on-grid plants to bolster archipelago’s sustainable energy solutions

To harness untapped natural energy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Lakshadweep’s first solar power plant at Kavaratti & Agatti on on January 3, 2024.Region’s first on-grid solar project has a state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology. Together, these two installations of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) have a combined solar capacity of 1.7 MW and an advanced 1.4 MWh battery storage facility.

Harnessing the power of Solar energy

The solar power plant will help reduce dependency on the Diesel-based Power Generation plant, while it’ll give a push towards sustainable energy solutions in the region. The Lakshadweep Energy Development Agency (LEDA) will now harness power from these solar plants, marking a pivotal shift from diesel-based power to a sustainable, eco-friendly energy source.

Over the anticipated technical lifespan, the project is expected to yield commercial savings of approximately Rs 250 crores. The substantial reduction of diesel consumption by up to 190 lakh litres and the offsetting of 58,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Further, the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) has roped in the project to extend its expertise.

During his latest visit to the tropical archipelago region, PM dedicated and laid the foundation stone of Rs 1,150 development projects in Lakshadweep. These development projects cover a wide range of sectors including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare, and education.