Awarded under Smart Village category for Rural electrification for tribal communities at 4th Smart Cities India Conclave
New Delhi: Freyr Energy, a Hyderabad based solar EPC company bagged the award for ‘Smart Village’ at the 4th Smart Cities India 2018 Expo by ITPO – Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The event was jointly organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence – IoT in New Delhi.
The Smart Village Award recognizes village projects that integrate up-gradation and upliftment of various socio-economic, infrastructure and recreational facilities to make life productive, smooth and accessible for the villagers.
Freyr was recognized for exemplary work done in electrification through 50 solar microgrids for tribal habitations in Andhra Pradesh. These microgrids are now powering more than 1500 homes and providing electricity to nearly 8000 tribals earlier living in darkness.
On receiving the award, Saurabh Marda, Co-Founder, Freyr Energy said, “Freyr Energy has been addressing the electricity problem through one of the cleanest sources of power known – solar power. Our work empowers entire communities and while doing so, ensures no negative impact on the environment, no baggage for future generations.”
“We are proud and very humbled with what we have been able to achieve with the support of all stakeholders involved. The Smart Village Award will inspire us to continuously strive to create a bigger difference,” he added.
Microgrids power the entire village with sufficient battery backup for 3 days. It includes not only a solar power generating system but an entire electrical infrastructure of poles, low tension wires, energy meters, load limiters, service cables, lights, switchboards, etc.
Most sites require on-foot transportation ranging from 5 km to 15 km in hilly terrain. Other challenges include dealing with Naxalites, transporting material across rivers and streams in these areas.
