In a significant move towards fostering sustainable energy practices, the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), a Government of Goa undertaking, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAHAPREIT (Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation (MPBCDC) under the Government of Maharashtra. The collaboration aims to explore opportunities in the realm of Renewable Energy applications and the implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) in the state of Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, present at the MoU signing, expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting the growth of sustainable energy practices within Goa’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. GEDA will play a pivotal role in identifying project sites and securing necessary state statutory clearances for the proposed projects.
Under the partnership, MAHAPREIT will conduct preliminary assessments and feasibility studies for various projects, including Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, solar pumps, and solarization of feeders. The company has introduced an innovative Operational Expenditure (OPEX) model for rooftop solar systems, aiming to create a win-win situation for MSMEs, solar developers, electricity utilities, and the state government. Dr. Amol Shinde, Chairman and Managing Director of MAHAPREIT, highlighted the potential benefits, stating that this approach could lead to substantial savings for industries, offering a guaranteed income for the next 15 years.
Notably, this collaboration marks the first instance of a state government directly implementing a large-scale solar project for industries. GEDA and MAHAPREIT will actively promote and disseminate information at industrial forums, register interested industries, and oversee the appointment of contractors, establishing a streamlined mechanism to facilitate the overall process.
