Akal University Switches on Punjab’s Largest Solar Energy Project in Rural Institution

Managing Director of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Shri Jatindra Nath Swain, inaugurated the 1.2 MWp solar power project at Akal University in Bathinda on April 6, 2019. In his address, Mr Swain said that this solar project, which is the largest for any rural educational institution, displays the forward thinking of an educational organization like Kalgidhar Society. This project would generate more than 80% of power requirements of the Akal University and 13 Akal Academies. This project has been built at a total cost of Rs 5.2 crore, out of which the government has provided a total subsidy of around Rs 1.7 crore. Mr Swain further said that SECI has made a great progress for the vision of 100 GW by 2022. He said “Solar power generation is a measure of sustainability and I am happy to see that Kalgidhar Society is harnessing the sun for making education system more sustainable. Along with solar, we also need to pay attention towards water conservation and rainwater harvesting to tackle the problem of climate change.” This solar power plant project will reduce 35,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years. The carbon reduction impact of the project during its life time is equivalent to planting of 82,000 trees which will add to conservation of energy and environment, said Dr Gurmail Singh, Vice Chancellor, Akal University. The Kalgidhar Society has so far set up a total of 59 solar power plants in its Akal Academies in the region, in order to meet its energy demand from clean fuel.

Source: http://indianpowersector.com/