Tag: solar energy

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MoS Shri Shripad Naik Inaugurates IREDA’s 45 kW Solar Project Powering Goa’s Water Supply

Tanisha Cardozo

On 5th October 2025, Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, inaugurated a 45 kW On-Grid Solar Power System at a water pumping station in North Goa. The project has been implemented as part of IREDA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to promote sustainable and clean energy in public infrastructure.

The solar power system is expected to generate approximately 60,000 units of electricity annually, ensuring 100% solarization of the pumping station’s load. This initiative not only enhances energy efficiency but also sets a benchmark for renewable integration into essential public utilities like water distribution.

In a message, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, emphasized that the project reflects the organization’s dedication to extending its clean energy vision beyond financial support into direct community impact. He noted that solarizing public services such as water pumping stations can serve as a scalable and replicable model for India’s broader sustainable energy transition.

The inauguration event was attended by key representatives from IREDA’s CSR team, the Goa Drinking Water Department, and local authorities, underscoring a collaborative effort toward building a greener future for India. This development is yet another step in aligning with the country’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy goals and promoting energy equity across all sectors.

Events in Goa

G.E.D.A Partner Technology Event Showcases Clean Energy Future in Goa

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Partner Technology Event hosted by the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) in Panaji received strong support on Friday with the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. The event served as a platform for showcasing emerging advancements in clean energy, such as solar energy, biofuels, battery regeneration, and cutting-edge wastewater management solutions.

Dr Sawant emphasized Goa’s commitment to sustainable energy goals and pointed to initiatives like the BiofuelCircle portal, rooftop solar programs, and the PM Surya Ghar Yojana as examples of progress. “Goa is moving ahead with initiatives like the ‘BiofuelCircle’ portal, rooftop solar, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, and other initiatives,” said Dr Sawant during his address.

The event was not just about clean energy but also about how industries across the board can adapt to technological advancements. From raw material sourcing to ownership patterns (private, public, joint, or cooperative), industries are being urged to align with evolving technologies and sustainability goals to remain competitive and future-ready.

One of the significant topics discussed was the critical role of waste management and how advanced technology can help tackle issues such as toxic plastic waste. “Waste management can be helped with the advanced technology and how it can be useful in depletion of ‘Toxic plastic’ and a ‘Clean environment’ to save the water bodies and biodiversity,” Dr Sawant said.

This initiative ties into India’s broader climate and sustainability roadmap, including its target to achieve major clean energy milestones by 2030. The GEDA event is a strong step in reinforcing Goa’s alignment with that national mission, showcasing how localized efforts can contribute to a greener, cleaner India.

Business

GCCI & Institution of Engineers Host Workshop on Renewable Energy Storage Solutions

allycaralgoa

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers (India), Goa State Centre, recently organized a landmark workshop on “Renewable Energy Storage: Challenges and Solutions” at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, Panaji.

The event brought together industry experts, engineers, policymakers, and business representatives to discuss cutting-edge storage technologies that can strengthen Goa’s energy resilience and sustainability.

Keynote Insights
Mr. Alex Hunter, CEO & Founder of Sherwood Power, UK, presented an innovative clean compressed air energy storage solution, designed to reduce energy costs, stabilize the grid, and enable sustainable industrial growth. Er. Yeshwant Natekar, CEO of JNK Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., spoke on Clean Technologies, highlighting the importance of environmentally responsible practices in industrial operations.

Notable Remarks from Dignitaries

  • Mr. Anwar Khan, Chairman of IEI Goa Centre, underlined the Institution’s 105-year legacy in promoting knowledge-sharing between industry and academia.
  • Chief Guest, Mr. Stephen Fernandes, Chief Electrical Engineer, Government of Goa, emphasized the urgent need for independent thinking in addressing Goa’s energy challenges. He stressed the importance of projects like Tamnar and storage solutions to address peak-hour shortages, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
  • Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, noted that Goa’s reliance on imported power increases costs for industries and called for industry-government collaboration to accelerate renewable storage adoption.
  • Mr. Gerard D’Mello, Chairman of GCCI Infrastructure Committee, advocated for scalable and sustainable storage technologies, highlighting that the current net-metering system does not guarantee power security during outages.

Engagement & Outcomes
The workshop featured interactive technical sessions, Q&A discussions, and participation from the Goa Electricity Department, GSIDC, industry representatives, and GCCI & IEI members. It concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Er. Prakash Lotlikar.

The event reinforced GCCI and IEI’s shared commitment to fostering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions, positioning Goa to meet future power demands with resilience.

Business

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Uday’ Sets Sail Toward Sustainable Marine Logistics

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant stride toward greener logistics, Vedanta Sesa Goa’s River Fleet Shipping (RFS) Division has launched Project ‘Uday’, a sustainable innovation that integrates solar energy systems into its river barge operations. The first successful implementation on MV ‘Mogri’ is now setting the course for fleet-wide adoption.

🌞 Harnessing Solar Power on the High Seas

The heart of this innovation lies in the installation of high-efficiency 550 Wp Mono PERC solar panels (PE-550HM). These are now powering the auxiliary systems onboard, including accommodation and navigation lighting, reducing dependency on conventional fuel sources.

According to Mr. Nitesh Samant, CEO – River Fleet Shipping,

“Project ‘Uday’ is an important milestone in our vision to create a sustainable logistics ecosystem. The successful deployment on MV ‘Mogri’ shows our commitment to scalable, high-impact energy solutions.”

🌍 Real Emissions Reductions, Real Impact

Each solar-powered barge is expected to save approximately 6.53 tonnes of CO₂ annually, the environmental equivalent of planting nearly 300 trees. When rolled out across the RFS division, Project ‘Uday’ is projected to cut 149.85 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, substantially contributing to Vedanta’s Scope 1 emissions reduction goals.

🧭 Aligned with Global & National Sustainability Standards

This forward-looking initiative is well-aligned with:

  • International Maritime Organization (IMO) Decarbonization Strategy
  • Energy Conservation Act, 2001
  • MARPOL Annex VI Emission Standards

It reflects a growing recognition of sustainability as a core value in logistics and shipping, not merely a regulatory obligation.

⚓ Scalability as the Next Frontier

What began with one barge is now poised to reshape an entire logistics fleet. The adaptability and efficiency of this solar solution make it ideal for large-scale deployment — a model that can inspire transformation across India’s maritime sector.

📢 Looking Ahead

As the global shipping industry seeks to decarbonize, Project ‘Uday’ exemplifies how innovative energy practices can deliver practical, measurable results. Vedanta Sesa Goa is not just adapting to the future of logistics — it is actively shaping it.