Panaji, Goa August 21, 2026

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Naik on Friday inaugurated two grid-connected solar power projects at the Bambolim and Agassaim water pumping stations of the Drinking Water Department, Government of Goa.

The projects — an 80 kW On-Grid Solar Power Project at Bambolim and a 90 kW On-Grid Solar Power Project at Agassaim — have been supported under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The projects seek to integrate clean energy with essential public infrastructure, particularly drinking water supply.

Speaking at the post-inauguration programme, Shri Shripad Naik said the commissioning of the two plants was not merely about setting up solar power generation but represented a broader vision of sustainable development, clean energy and responsible governance.

He said the projects demonstrated how renewable energy could be integrated with essential public infrastructure to deliver both economic and environmental benefits. Appreciating IREDA for supporting the initiative through its CSR programme, he expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue in Goa and across the country.

The two installations together are expected to generate approximately 2.60 lakh units of clean electricity annually, subject to actual solar generation and site conditions. According to the minister, the shift to solar power will reduce dependence on conventional electricity and is estimated to generate annual savings of more than ₹18 lakh for the Drinking Water Department.

Highlighting the environmental gains of the projects, the minister said the projects are expected to offset around 140 to 190 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year, depending on the applicable grid emission factor. He said the impact would be comparable to the carbon absorption associated with more than 3,000 to 4,500 mature trees over a ten-year period.

“These solar projects are not simply about producing electricity. They are about clean air, a healthier environment, lower carbon emissions and a better future for our children,” the minister said.

Calling Goa a state with enormous potential for renewable energy, he said the availability of abundant sunlight, suitable rooftops, government infrastructure and growing public awareness could help accelerate the adoption of solar energy across public buildings, water supply infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and residential communities.

Shri Shripad Naik urged government departments, local bodies, institutions and private stakeholders to identify more opportunities for solarisation and called for a shift from individual projects towards a larger solarisation movement across Goa.

The minister placed the initiative within the larger national renewable-energy agenda, noting that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has placed renewable energy and sustainable development at the centre of India's growth story.

The programme was attended by MLA of St Cruz Shri Rudolf Fernandes, Chairman of Goa State Minorities Finance Development Corporation Shri Francisco Silveira, Medical Superintendent of Goa Medical College Dr Rajesh Patil, representatives of IREDA, Chief Engineer of the Drinking Water Department Shri V. J. Bhende, Chief Engineer of the Electricity Department Shri Stephan Fernandes, Managing Director of GEDA Shri Gaurish Shankhwalkar, local representatives and other officials.

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Nana Meshram/Riyas Bab/Parshuram Kor

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