World Bank set to help state switch to 100% renewable energy by ’50

Panaji: In a major boost to the state’s shift towards 100% renewable energy, the World Bank will spend Rs 3.5 crore to create a framework for Green Climate Fund to help the Goa government achieve its 2050 target. The World Bank has assured the state to get necessary expertise to achieve this target.
“The World Bank officials have agreed to assist the state government in coordinating and getting the necessary expertise to achieve the 100% shift to renewable energy by 2050. It has also said that it will create a Green Climate fund for the state to carry out mitigation measures,” a senior officer said.
The officer said that the World Bank will advise the state on the amount of funds required and where the loan can be obtained.
The Goa Coastal Environment Management Society will set up the fund with the assistance of the World Bank wherein it will take up the task of preparing a study report to design the fund’s framework without any cost to the Goa government.
Practice manager Abhas Jha of the World Bank’s Climate Change South East Asia, and his team held a preliminary meeting with chief secretary Puneet Goel, principal secretary finance Kandlevelu and secretary power Ajit Roy.
The World Bank team held a separate meeting with environment minister Nilesh Cabral and member secretary of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) Pradip Sarmukadam.
Cabral told the World Bank team about the state government’s efforts through the GSBB to formulate the State Action Plan for Climate Change and its concern related to the submergence of khazan agriculture land due to breach of bunds.
He also spoke to them about the state’s endeavours to explore the possibility of implementing the sand motor technology developed by the Netherlands for arresting sea erosion.