Berhampur: The Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati (SKCG) Autonomous College at Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district will be totally solar powered by the end of February.
The college authorities have opted for the project with an aim to achieve self-sufficiency by generating on-sight electricity, reduce reliance on grid power, improve energy independence and teach students about climate-friendly renewable energy.
“We would become independent from conventional energy suppliers. As the price of electricity steadily increases every year, solar power as a free and a dependable source of unlimited energy is the best substitute. It can also help reduce pollution and carbon footprint,” said Jeetendranath Patnaik, Principal of the SKCG College.
The energy cost of college with a student strength of 3400 from Plus Two to post-graduate courses with three college buildings having 24 classrooms with a sitting capacity of 32 to 128 students, guest house and five hostels is about Rs 2 lakh per month.
“We are going to establish a 10 KW solar power plant which is more than enough for our building’s energy requirements. The lifespan of a solar power system is 25 years,” the principal said.
Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) will set up the solar power systems under the corporate social responsibility (CSR). The college was unable to implement the project due to funds crunch.
College sources said GRIDCO had assured to complete the project by December 2024, but somehow it has been delayed. While a major portion of the works of the project have been completed, electrification and connection of cables and fittings are yet to be done. By the end of February, the solar power system is expected to start functioning, they added.
“After installation of 80 solar panels on the roof top and the system, our energy cost would come down drastically,” said the principal. Designed to work on cloudy days, in part sun, and even in wintry condition, solar panels can generate a significant amount of power for the college.
The SKCG College, founded under the patronage of Paralakhemundi king Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deo in 1896, was among the leading colleges in Odisha in 1990s. It is the state’s second oldest college.
The Odisha government took over management of the college in July 1947 and renamed it after its patron Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati. Towards the end of 1948, it was shifted from its old building to the present Morrison Extension, named Maharaja’s tutor Cameron Morrison. The college was conferred with the autonomous status in 2002 by the UGC.
