The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has entered into a partnership with the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) to promote off-grid renewable energy projects. The collaboration aims to enhance the deployment and financing of these projects in Chhattisgarh.
USAID will assist in designing and implementing a state-level off-grid fund, supporting CREDA in developing pilot programs, including micro-grids for irrigation and other energy uses. Colin Dreizin, Director of the Clean Energy and Environment Office at USAID/India, stated, “Distributed renewable energy systems can play a key role in enhancing energy access and improving the quality of life. We are happy to partner with CREDA to test new business and financing models for off-grid renewable energy in the state.”
Chhattisgarh presents significant opportunities for off-grid solutions. Given that deploying these technologies is capital intensive, CREDA is working on initiatives like the "Distributed Renewable Energy-Community Fund." This fund aims to leverage corporate social responsibility contributions to create community-owned renewable energy systems catering to various local needs.
S. K. Shukla, Chief Executive Officer of CREDA, remarked, “Chhattisgarh has electrified more than 1,700 villages through solar power. I look forward to expanding our work in this area as it delivers benefits such as employment, income generation, health, education, sanitation, drinking water and anganbadi centres.”
In upcoming months, USAID will aid CREDA in formulating an implementation strategy for rural off-grid programs and assist with structuring the proposed fund. The Memorandum was signed during an event organized by USAID and CREDA under the USAID-funded Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) program.