The Janata Bhawan Solar Project in Assam has been Launched, Making It the First Civic Secretariat in India to Run Solely on Solar Energy.

 Synopsis

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, a 2.5-Mw grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system. The facility will generate an average of 3 lakh units of power each month, with a Rs. 12.56 crore investment estimated to be recouped within four years. The initiative would transform the Assam Secretariat Complex into the country's first civil secretariat to rely solely on Solar-generated electricity for daily use.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, a 2.5-Mw power generation capacity grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system, on Sunday at the Assam Secretariat Complex, adding another chapter to the State's efforts to promote green energy.

This project would generate an average of 3 lakh units of power each month, and the investment of Rs. 12.56 crore is expected to be recovered within four years, with monthly savings of around Rs. 30 lakhs. With the commencement of the solar power project today, the Assam Secretariat Complex became the country's first civil secretariat to rely solely on solar-generated electricity for everyday operations.

With a 25-year lifespan, this solar plant will reduce carbon emissions by 3060 metric tons per year and 76,500 metric tonnes over its lifetime.

Sarma refers to the project's opening as a watershed moment in the state's transition to green energy. He stated that the state government had been paying approximately Rs. 30 lakhs to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited on a monthly basis for traditionally produced electricity use. Transitioning to green energy will allow the government to better allocate its resources for the benefit of society's socially and economically vulnerable members.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of gradually implementing solar electricity in all government offices. Initially, he encouraged medical institutes and universities to shift to solar energy.

Speaking about the State government's initiatives to promote green energy, the Chief Minister mentioned the 25-Mw Solar Power Project in Namrup, the foundation stone for which was just laid. He also discussed the solar projects at Bharchalla in Sonitpur district, Khudigaon in Dhubri district, and the 1,000-Mw project in Karbi Anglong. These and other initiatives, once completed, will significantly reduce the State's reliance on energy purchased from outside the State, he continued. These and other initiatives, once completed, will significantly reduce the State's reliance on energy purchased from outside the State, he continued. According to the Chief Minister, these and other initiatives have resulted in an annual profit of Rs. 60 crore for Assam Power Generation Company Limited.




Sarma urged the general people to apply for the "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Scheme" in order to reduce households' energy usage bills. It has been noticed that installing solar panels resulted in an 85% reduction in residential electricity usage costs, he noted.

The Chief Minister further stated that starting July 1, the provision of free energy to the Chief Minister's official quarters, other ministers, top officials, and government officials will be discontinued, and they will be required to pay for their electrical consumption.

Sources: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/assam-janata-bhawan-solar-project-inaugurated-becomes-first-civil-secretariat-in-india-to-rely-fully-on-solar-power/articleshow/111041634.cms?from=mdr, Google