Question 1078
For the generation of how many units of electricity per month did Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurate the Janata Bhawan Solar Project in June 2024?
Answer
3 Lakh
Why?
The correct answer is 4.2 Lakh . Key Points On June 17, 2024 , the Chief Minister of Assam , Himanta Biswa Sarma , inaugurated the Janata Bhawan Solar Project located at the Assam Secretariat complex in Guwahati . The solar power plant has a total capacity of 2.5 MW (megawatts) and is a grid-connected rooftop solar PV system designed to make the secretariat complex energy-efficient and sustainable. The project is expected to generate approximately 4.2 Lakh units of electricity per month , which will significantly cater to the power requirements of the administrative hub of the state. Hence, the option 4.2 Lakh is the correct answer. The implementation of this project will result in a monthly saving of approximately Rs 30 Lakh on the electricity bills of Janata Bhawan , contributing to the fiscal prudence of the state government. This initiative marks the Assam Secretariat as the first state-level secretariat in India to transition towards a green and net-zero energy campus by utilizing renewable energy sources. Additional Information Project Investment and Payback : The solar project was completed with a total investment of Rs 12.56 Crore . Given the monthly savings of Rs 30 Lakh , the government expects the capital expenditure to be recovered within a payback period of approximately four years . Role of APDCL : The project was executed under the supervision of the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) . The state government aims to replicate this model in other government buildings , educational institutions , and hospitals across the state . PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana : This state-level initiative aligns with the broader national goal under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana , which was launched in February 2024 to encourage rooftop solar installations in 1 crore households across India . Assam's Renewable Targets : The Assam government has set an ambitious target to generate 3,000 MW of solar power by the year 2030 to meet the increasing energy demands while reducing dependency on fossil fuels . Environmental Impact : The 2.5 MW plant is expected to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by several thousand metric tonnes annually, supporting India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement . Important Points Technical Specifications : The Janata Bhawan Solar Project utilizes monocrystalline solar panels , which are known for higher efficiency in varied climatic conditions , making them suitable for the weather patterns of Northeast India . Net Metering Facility : The plant is equipped with a net metering facility , allowing any surplus power generated during holidays or non-working hours to be fed back into the main power grid , further optimizing resource utilization. Operational Life : The solar PV system installed at the Assam Secretariat has a functional life expectancy of 25 years , ensuring long-term energy security and environmental benefits for the region. Future Expansion : During the inauguration, the Chief Minister announced that all government offices in Assam will gradually transition to solar energy to minimize carbon footprints and set a benchmark for environmental governance .
