Two-Day Training Program on Renewable Energy
The Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration has embarked on a journey to upscale advanced renewable energy technologies. With the goal of augmenting the share of renewables in the islands’ electricity mix, it is imperative to build expertise of human resources engaged in these pivotal assignments. In a collaborative effort to advance sustainable energy solutions and foster the adoption of renewable energy in the A&N Islands, USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), in collaboration with the Electricity Department, A&N administration under the bilateral partnership agreement with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India successfully conducted a comprehensive two-day training program. This workshop, held in Port Blair, focused on enriching the technical knowledge and skills of over 30 officers from the Electricity Department, aiming to equip them for scaling renewable energy deployment in the islands.
The workshop focused on improving technical expertise in renewable energy projects, especially rooftop solar. Key sessions delivered comprehensive insights into renewable energy technologies, business models, and innovative procurement methods. The training also addressed the responsibilities of utility officers and installers in optimising rooftop solar plant design, conducting site assessments, ensuring quality assurance, and monitoring performance of the installed assets.
Ms. Ranjana Deswal, Secretary (Power), A&N Administration, inaugurated the workshop, emphasising the Government of India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. She shed light on the administration’s focus on deploying advanced technologies for a clean energy transition and enhancing energy security in the Islands. Ms. Deswal also underscored the importance of such capacity-building initiatives in empowering the workforce with the necessary expertise to drive the energy transition effectively.
Mr. Divyanshu Jha, Deputy Secretary, MNRE, elaborated on the newly launched PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative focuses on installing rooftop solar panels and offering free electricity for up to 300 units per month to one crore households. Mr. Jha emphasised that this scheme will significantly benefit the residential consumers and contribute to the energy security of the islands.
Ms. Madhuri Shukla, Superintending Engineer at the Electricity Department, A&N Administration, stressed the necessity of expanding rooftop solar deployment. She highlighted the significance of empowering consumers and installers through capacity-building initiatives, and highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurship opportunities to enhance rooftop solar adoption in the Islands.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony where participants received certificates on successful completion of the training program. This event marked a significant milestone for future training initiatives, highlighting the importance of ongoing learning and collaboration in the renewable energy sector.
