The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) commissioned Lakshadweep’s first grid-connected 1.7 MW solar power project with a 1.4 MWh battery energy storage system on the Kavaratti Island of the union territory.

The project, over its technical lifespan, is expected to yield Lakshadweep ₹2.5 billion (~$30.06 million) in commercial savings, reducing the diesel consumption by up to 19 million liters from the generation plant in Kavaratti and offsetting 58,000 tons of CO₂ in the region.

The power produced from the project will be supplied to the Lakshadweep Energy Development Agency to power the Kavaratti and Agatti islands.

SECI had first floated the tender for the project in September 2019 and later modified it in November 2019.

The initial tendered capacity was for 1.95 MW solar projects with 2.15 MWh battery energy storage systems.

SunSource Energy, an India-based renewable energy solutions provider and a subsidiary of Dutch multinational SHV Energy, provided the engineering, procurement, and construction services for the project.

The project is expected to provide a pivotal shift from diesel-based power to a sustainable, eco-friendly energy source for the Lakshadweep region.

Shreedhar Singh, Additional General Manager, SECI, said, “This project addresses the energy challenges of Lakshadweep and aligns seamlessly with the broader national objective of promoting green energy. We believe it will pave the way for more sustainable and resilient energy solutions for island regions across the country. We extend our appreciation to the Lakshadweep Administration and the Electricity department for their support and acknowledge the expertise demonstrated by SunSource Energy in executing this challenging project.”

In January this year, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) increased the Central Financial Assistance for residential rooftop solar consumers of Lakshadweep alongside a few other union territories, northeastern and hilly states.

According to recent data, the designated Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies by the MNRE issued 35.51 GW of project tenders until December 2023, against the 50 GW target for the financial year 2023-24.

Image Credit – SunSource Energy