Chandigarh: Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) and renewable energy firm Sapher are working together to scale up solar power projects across the state, focusing on land allocation and hybrid energy models.
Government and Private Partnership for Solar Expansion
The Government of Punjab, through Punjab Genco Ltd, has partnered with Sapher to develop large-scale solar farms in key districts, including Fazilka and Ferozepur. The collaboration aims to strengthen Punjab’s renewable energy infrastructure by integrating solar power with existing biogas and hydroelectric projects.
During a recent meeting, Joseph Villalobos, founder of Sapher, and Navjot Singh Mandair, Chairman of Punjab Genco Ltd, discussed strategies to improve land utilisation for solar energy. Officials are evaluating three existing frameworks: government-contracted projects, private solar farms supplying energy to the state, and a hybrid model that combines direct grid supply with battery storage.
Focus on Canal-Top Solar Projects
One of the key proposals includes installing solar panels above canals to reduce water evaporation and optimise land use. Punjab has an extensive canal network, and the government sees this as a potential solution to balance water conservation with energy generation.
Addressing Rural Energy Challenges
The partnership also aims to improve electricity access in rural areas, where frequent outages disrupt daily life. By deploying scalable renewable solutions, PEDA and Sapher plan to enhance energy reliability in villages with inadequate infrastructure.
Villalobos emphasised that the initiative prioritises practical, sustainable energy solutions over large-scale expansion alone. “By combining solar innovations with strategic land use, we aim to build a resilient energy system for Punjab,” he said.
The collaboration aligns with Punjab’s broader renewable energy targets, positioning the state for long-term sustainability in its power sector.
