GUWAHATI: In order to reduce the gap between demand for power and generation in the state, Meghalaya government is exploring to tap solar energy to maximum extent possible to achieve at self-sufficiency in energy sector. Though hydro power remains the main source of power in the state, tapping clean and green energy especially solar energy is now in the focus.
The state government first aims to bank on solar energy in running all government institutions across the state. The official residence of the state Chief Minister has already been partly powered through solar energy.
The state government is set to roll out ‘grid connected rooftop solar project’ for which a solar power pilot project has been installed in the official residence of the Chief Minister.
“We are exploring ‘Solar Energy’ as we work towards self-sufficiency. We have converted my official residence into a #SolarEnergy Net Metering Facility & we hope to expand this across all Govt. institutions, making #Meghalaya an Energy Sufficient State,” tweeted the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma.
Government of India has already sanctioned a grid-connected rooftop solar power project’ covering 121 government building in the state including government education institutions and offices. “If on holidays including Saturdays and Sundays solar energy generated in the projects installed in government institutions goes back to the grid it will add to our overall energy generation,” the Chief Minister said.
Meghalaya as on date required 1700 MW of power per year while it generates 970 MW per year. The state government, therefore, focuses on generating clean and green energy in addition to tapping its huge hydropower potential.
Meghalaya government in this regard may make use of the expertise on solar energy available in the Department of Energy Engineering in North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). All the engineers in the department in NEHU are trained to excel in the field of renewable energy.