In a bid to propel Tripura towards greater efficiency in renewable energy, the state government, in conjunction with the Power Department, is actively pursuing measures to bolster energy conservation while meeting the present energy demands.
Besides, the State has planned to set up five power storage centres and battery storage in different parts of Tripura, Power Minister of the State Ratan Lal Nath revealed on Thursday.
Nath highlighted Government’s and Power Department’s initiatives during an event commemorating National Energy Conservation Day.
The event to observe the National Energy Conservation Day at Urja Bhavan in the 79 Tilla area in Agartala was organized by the Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL).
Inaugurating the event, the Minister underscored the imperative need for energy conservation.
Speaking on the theme “Energy Transition = Energy Security,” Nath emphasized, “Observing this day annually is crucial in fostering awareness about the significance of energy conservation for both current and future generations, especially given the impact of climate change.”
Elucidating on the criticality of energy preservation and advocating for reduced energy consumption and curbing wastage, the Minister said, “The state and the power department are gearing up to double electricity production, primarily through renewable sources. Considering our limitations in water and wind resources for power generation, our reliance on solar energy and biomass becomes paramount.”
Discussing the department’s multifaceted efforts to enhance power distribution and generation efficiency in Tripura, Nath asserted, “Plans are underway to establish five power storage facilities in Dhalai and North Districts of Tripura, with a site finalized in North Longtrai already. This initiative is poised to guarantee an additional 800 MW of electricity for the state. Concurrently, collaborations for battery storage setups across Tripura, notably with OTPC, are also in the pipeline.”
Spotlighting on various endeavors undertaken, Nath elaborated, “We’ve installed approximately 15,000 solar street lights across 1,012 markets in Tripura, disbursed over a lakh solar study lamps to schoolchildren, and implemented solar pumps across 4,348 acres of agricultural land under the PM Kusum scheme. Additionally, solar high-mass structures have been erected to aid farmers in storing their produce.”
Expressing the department’s aspirations, Nath emphasized the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of major institutes, both governmental and private, including Tripura University, NIELIT College, and NIIT. Plans are also in place to set up similar solar panels in 23 identified buildings within the capital city.
In a fervent appeal to department authorities, Nath urged expeditious project completion to materialize these initiatives effectively. The concerted efforts aim to propel Tripura towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future, he said.
