Lakshadweep gets region’s first on-grid solar project with battery storage

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Wednesday (January 3) inaugurated Lakshadweep's first on-grid solar project with a battery energy storage system enabling the Union Territory to offset thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions.

Aimed at enabling the shift from current diesel-based power to green energy in the region, the project has a combined solar capacity of 1.7 MW and 1.4 MWh battery storage facility. The solar panel plant and battery energy storage system span the islands of Kavaratti and Agatti.

Developed by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), with SunSource Energy as the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contractor the solar with battery storage project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by up to 190 lakh liters and offset 58,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, generating commercial savings of approximately INR 250 crore.

"This project addresses the energy challenges of Lakshadweep and aligns seamlessly with the broader national objective of promoting green energy. We believe it will pave the way for more sustainable and resilient energy solutions for island regions across the country," said Shreedhar Singh, Additional General Manager at SECI.

With the inauguration of the solar plus storage project, the Lakshadweep Energy Development Agency (LEDA) will now source power from these solar plants to meet the region's energy demand.

"We are immensely proud to have played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking project. It not only supports the energy transition of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep but also aligns with our commitment at SunSource Energy to advance sustainable projects that make a lasting impact and contribute to our country's ambitious net-zero goals," commented Kushagra Nandan, CEO of SunSource Energy.