ISA Selects EESL to Implement 5 Lakh Solar Pumps in Member Countries

The International Solar Alliance, one of the biggest global initiatives by the current Indian government of Prime Minister Modi, is finally moving on the ground.  India, which is a founding member of he ISA and also hosts the headquarters of the alliance at New Delhi has a special interest in showing progress.

Accordingly, the joint venture PSU firm  under the Ministry of Power, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), has been selected by the ISA to facilitate implementation of 5,00,000 Solar Water Pumping Systems in all its member nations, that will participate in the ‘Scaling of Solar Application for Agricultural Use’ programme.  This programme was meant to kick off with a global tender for the pumps, using volumes to drive down prices. The hope was for a price reduction of upto 20%.

Rajneesh Rana, General Manager, EESL said: “We look forward to replicating the success of our ongoing solar projects and agricultural pumps programme in the ISA member countries. We will leverage the wealth of our experience in implementing large-scale energy-efficiency and renewable energy programmes in India and combine that experience with ISA’s long-term vision.” He further added, “Our aim is to help farmers in getting easy and affordable day-time access to irrigation. This is a major step towards decentralised power solutions that also help in reducing carbon emission.”

ISA, an alliance of more than 121 countries, through its first programme − ‘Scaling of Solar Application for Agricultural Use’ aims to promote decentralised solar applications for agricultural and rural use. ISA has a collective demand for approximately 500,000 Solar Water Pumping systems from 13 member countries that include India, Bangladesh, Sudan, Uganda, Senegal and Mauritius, among others.

EESL will be responsible for the implementation of the programme in the participating countries. ISA and EESL expect to bring down the cost of solar water pumping systems to scale up the programme and encourage other member countries. Through this, members would also be able to implement the project effectively from in-built monitoring mechanisms and thereby, develop large number of local employment opportunities within the country.

Recently, The Indian Government, EESL and World Bank inked a $220 Million pact and an $80 million guarantee pact to give thrust to Energy efficiency programme in India.