Central Govt obtains approval from President to execute Solar Projects

The Central government of India has received the approval from president of India to execute solar energy projects worth Rs. 24,104 crore across 18 states. Seeing the latest order from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, these projects will electrify one lakh households in PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups).

As part of the Prime Minister's Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), the scheme represents a momentous leap towards a vision of sustainable energy access for all. The investments of central government for this project stand at Rs. 15,336 crore, with the states contributing Rs 8,768 crore.

Already the scheme is allotted to be rolled out over three years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26 to supply off-grid solar power systems to the tribal households in remote areas where traditional mode of electricity infrastructure is not feasible.

The investments funds billed for the financial year 2023-24 amounts to Rs.20 crore, Rs. 255 crore and Rs. 240 crore assigned for the successive years, adding up a commitment of Rs. 515 crore over the period of three years.

As per the order from Government of India, the project encompasses 0.3 kW solar off-grid systems and the introduction of solar street lighting and lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centres (MPCs) in areas ahead to the reach of the conventional grid. The fiscal pay out for these components is Rs. 500 crore for the solar systems and Rs. 15 crore for the MPC lighting facilities.

This initiative is expected to pave the way for energy transformation as well as line up with global commitments of India to boost up the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix under the Paris Agreement on climatic changes.