The foundation stone was laid by District Magistrate of Jehanabad, Mohammad Sohail and was attended by Dayanidhan Pandey, Director, Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency.
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Sohail said “This is the kind of infrastructure that will not only facilitate people’s access to modern energy resources but also in building infrastructure owned and controlled by people. It meets more than just the basic requirement of people and will be revolutionary in rural electrification and its economy.”
Earlier on September 4th 2013, Greenpeace had announced the launch of this project co-implemented with BASIX and Centre for Environment and Energy Development. The solar system powering the micro grid will be set up by Kripa Solar.
The micro grid will involve about 100 kilowatts of solar panels and is targeted to become operational by next year and will showcase that the real solution for rural electrification lies in decentralized renewable energy.
“This micro grid will benefit all sections of the society, removing inequity in energy access and putting Dharnai on the path to inclusive growth. This model is also designed to attract investors and push the government to improve the regulatory framework. We would like the government to scale up and replicate this model at the state level and put Bihar on a path to sustainable development path through clean energy,” said Mrinmoy Chattaraj, Energy Access Campaigner, Greenpeace India.
Dharnai is currently dependent on unreliable and costly diesel generators. Though the village is predominantly an agricultural village, there are commercial establishments, shops, a bank and a few government buildings that run on diesel generators or batteries. The micro grid will also cater to their energy requirements.
“What is crucial is that this whole electricity set up will be controlled by the people of Dharnai. The dynamic set up will grow with people’s aspirations and their demands. That is what is unique about this micro grid,” said Mihir Sahana, Managing Director, Basix.
For further information, please contact
Munna Jha, Media Officer, Greenpeace India, 09570099300, 
Shashwat Raj, Senior Media Officer, Greenpeace India, 09971110144, 