A Historic Milestone
On January 3, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the solar power plant at Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. This is the first on-grid solar project in the region, equipped with state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology. The project was developed by Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a central public sector unit under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) expertise for the project was provided by SunSource Energy.
A Sustainable Solution
The solar power plant at Kavaratti has a capacity of 1.7 MW and a battery storage facility of 1.4 MWh. It will help reduce the dependency on the diesel-based power generation plant at Kavaratti, which consumes about 1.5 lakh litres of diesel per day. The Lakshadweep Energy Development Agency (LEDA) will now harness power from the solar plant, marking a pivotal shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources for the region.
A Commercial and Environmental Benefit
The solar power plant at Kavaratti is expected to yield commercial savings of approximately Rs. 250 crores over its technical lifespan. It will also reduce the diesel consumption by up to 190 lakh litres and offset 58,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, thereby promoting green energy and fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for Lakshadweep.