The foundation stone of a solar power project was laid at Kisannagar of Bardibas Municipality-6 on Friday, marking a significant step toward expanding renewable energy generation in Madhes Province.

The project, which is being built by Terra Sol Energy Company Limited at a cost of about Rs. 1.2 billion, was initiated by Chief Minister of Madhes Province Krishna Prasad Yadav today in accordance with Vedic rituals.

The project, which will be built on about 40 bighas of land in Kisannagar, aims to generate 20 megawatts of electricity by installing more than 300,000 solar panels.

It is said that this project is the most ambitious solar power project in the province so far. Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Yadav said that this solar project, which is being built for the first time with private sector investment, is a pride project for the province.

He expressed his belief that it would contribute to the energy sector and open new horizons of investment, employment and economic potential in the province.

Chief Minister Yadav said, "At a time when large hydropower projects have not been able to gain the expected momentum in lack of enough investment, persistent political instability and various obstacles, solar power has become an effective alternative that can not only be built with low investment in a short time, but also produces energy year-round. This has raised expectations that it will contribute to making Madhes self-reliant in the energy sector."

He pointed out the need to formulate a programme linking solar energy with the agricultural system to make the Madhes government's ambitious plan to make the country self-reliant in food a success. He also expressed his commitment to providing continuous support and priority to the development, construction and production of solar energy.

On the occasion, Mayor of Bardibas Municipality, Prahlad Chhetri, said that the solar project would make a significant contribution to the development, construction and prosperity of the city. He expressed his belief that this project will produce new skilled manpower at the local level and create employment for local youth. Puja Singh Thakuri, CEO of Terra Sol Energy Company Limited, said that the project, which will be built on an area owned by 80 farmers, aims to generate 20 megawatts of electricity by connecting 333,000 solar panels through 67 inverters and four large transformers.

The power generated will be transmitted to the Dhalkebar substation. Thakuri said, “The electricity will be distributed from the Dhalkebar substation for local consumption. This is a new beginning. It is also the beginning of a golden era for the locals in the energy sector.”

The target is to start electricity production within next six to eight months and the state-of-the-art technology used here is being installed for the first time in Nepal, said Thakuri.

By Rabindra Upreti