Over 2k Meghalaya schools to run on solar power: CM

Shillong: More than 1.5 MW of solar capacity has already been installed in nearly 700 schools across Meghalaya under the Chief Minister's Solar Mission, while implementation in another 1,300 schools will commence shortly, CM Conrad K Sangma said on Tuesday.

Meghalaya's vast renewable energy potential is estimated at nearly 14.6 gigawatts, of which the state has harnessed a significant portion through hydropower projects as solar energy is emerging as a critical component of the state’s clean energy strategy, he added.

Nearly 2,000 govt schools across Meghalaya have been identified for phased installation of solar energy systems, the CM said after inaugurating a 50-KW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at the St Mary's Higher Secondary School, Shillong, on Tuesday.

Implemented by the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, the project is among the largest solar power installations in an educational institution in Meghalaya, marking a significant step towards promoting renewable energy adoption and sustainable development in the hill state.

The CM highlighted the economic benefits of the solar power project, stating that the school is expected to save approximately 6,000 units of electricity every month, translating into savings of nearly Rs 40,000 per month or close to Rs 5 lakh annually.

He also announced plans to integrate such systems with net metering facilities, enabling excess electricity generated during weekends, holidays and vacation periods to be fed back into the power grid.

"Some village, some house, some poor family will benefit from the power generated right here in this school. If 2,000 schools across Meghalaya participate in the initiative, hundreds of households could benefit from clean energy generated by educational institutions,” he said.

The Meghalaya Govt will soon launch a major state-level technology and innovation competition aimed at encouraging students, innovators and young entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to challenges in sectors such as energy, waste management, water supply, healthcare and agriculture.

"The govt will support the best ideas. We will fund their start-ups, help them implement their solutions, and support them in growing their businesses," the CM said.