SICB acquires solar capacity along with SIRD

SREDA COMMISSIONS ITS LARGEST VENTURE IN SIKKIM – TWO 100 KW SOLAR POWER PLANTS
JORETHANG, 22 Jan: Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal inaugurated a 100 KW Solar Power Plant in the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB) and the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) at Karfectar South Sikkim today. The unit has been set up by the State Renewable Energy Development Agency, Sikkim.
Speaking as the chief guest, the RMDD Secretary congratulated the two institutes on receiving the largest solar plant in the State and remarked that the installation would help in the smooth functioning of these institutes by meeting their power requirements. These solar plants have not only lighted the institutes externally but have also lit up the lives of the students as well by making them supporters of a pursuit of renewable energy, said Mr Nepal and also commended the work achieved by SICB and its outstanding performance in empowering the rural youth.
He added that the solar plant was an example of technology being used to conserve earth’s resources by making renewable sources of energy more accessible and practical and urged the people to utilize the constructive effect of modern technology to empower their lives.
Informing the gathering regarding various activities and achievements of SREDA in the state, Director SREDA, Siphora Targain said that today’s project was SREDA’s biggest venture ever in the state till date. She added that since SICB and SIRD are two premier institutes of the state, they were chosen for the ambitious project and also with the hope that starting here would create awareness on renewable energy options.
She informed that SREDA was constituted by the State Government in the year 1999 and mandated for promoting and popularizing renewable energy. Sharing the achievements of SREDA in the year 2011-12, Ms Targain said that 20 KW Micro Hydel Plant was commissioned in Dzongu Gor in North Sikkim, 20 KW Solar Power Plant was commissioned at Sikkim Legislative Assembly, 230 Biogas plants were constructed and awareness camps were organized, 14500 Solar Lanterns were distributed, 100 Solar Water Heaters were distributed to the public of North Sikkim and 5000 Solar home Lights are being distributed to Religious Institutions, Police Check Posts, PHCs and NGOs.
Presenting the welcome address, Project Officer SREDA, Tashi Choppel informed the gathering that the solar plant was implemented by SREDA under the Ministry of New Renewable Energy, a Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) programme. It is a joint venture of the State Government and Government of India informed Mr Tashi.
The objective of this project is to endorse renewable energy, create awareness among the masses and encourage the fight against climate change, he explained. The Project Officer further said that earlier SICB was consuming 60 KW of non-renewable energy and similarly SIRD was consuming 150 KW, and now they have been provided with 100 KW Solar Power Plants each in their respective complexes. The project was commissioned at a total cost of Rs 2.41 lakh each and this is the first project under JNNSM programme implemented in the state.
Chief Administrator of SICB highlighted the programmes, activities and achievements of SICB through a power point presentation. He added that the inauguration of the solar plant would help the institute function more smoothly and efficiently without disturbance of power cuts which otherwise was a hurdle in the smooth and successful functioning of SICB.
Director SIRD, AK Mohanty also spoke on the occasion.  Mr Nepal released the Biogas video DVD and SREDA calendar on the occasion. The programme ended with the vote of thanks from Assistant Project Officer SREDA, Aruna Bhutia. Earlier after the inauguration, the chief guest accompanied by officials of SREDA formally switched on the solar plant machine in the respective complex marking the inaugural ceremony.
Also present were Official Dignitaries of SREDA, SRDA, SIRD, RMDD and students and instructors of SICB.