
News Desk, News Nation 360 : West Bengal, which has become a leader in the energy sector, is determined to guarantee that by 2030, 20% of its total energy comes from renewable sources. The minister in charge of the department of renewable and non-conventional energy sources is Md. Ghulam Rabbani. To reach the goal, the state administration has already taken a number of actions, and the 900 MW Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia using the PPP model is a "great example." Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, department of Non-conventional and Renewable Energy Sources stated that to step up the adoption of renewable energy, West Bengal is adopting innovative approaches, such as a hybrid model that incorporates solar, wind, and biomass power. One of the primary initiatives includes solarizing farm pumps, now dependent on the state grid or fossil fuels, through cooperation with the Water Resources, Agriculture, and Irrigation departments. Aware of the sharp upsurge in EV registrations, the state government is also constructing charging infrastructure to address future EV consumer demand. In addition, West Bengal is collaborating with Bengal Gas Company Ltd to manufacture biogas from the state's rich biodegradable waste with a view to tapping this immense potential. As part of a shift towards green practices in public services, the government is set to shift mid-day meal cooking from firewood or LPG to solar power from rooftop panels, with an announcement to be made in the near future. In addition to them, Anupam Mukhopadhyay, CEO of Bengal Gas Company Ltd. and ED of GAIL, and Hugh Boylan, Australian Consul General in Kolkata, have discussed their thoughts and procedures to work together to achieve the goal.
Pic - Courtesy