Ernakulam Regional Milk Producers Cooperative Society (Milma) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first dairy cooperative in India to operate a fully solar-powered milk-processing unit.
Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, George Kurian, inaugurated the 2-megawatt solar power project at Milma’s plant in Tripunithura recently. The solar facility comprises 8 kW floating solar panels in a pond, 102 kW solar panels on carport structures, and 1,890 kW panels on the ground.
Minister George Kurian highlighted the project as a model for turning challenges into opportunities. He emphasised that the solar installation, built on a previously marshy wetland, proves that development can take place without compromising the environment.
Financials and impact of the solar project
The solar plant project, costing Rs 16 crore, was funded with Rs 9.2 crore in loans from the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Scheme and Rs 6.8 crore from the Union’s funds.
The solar power facility is expected to generate 2.9 million units of green energy annually, saving Rs 1.94 crore in energy costs each year. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2,400 metric tonnes annually, equivalent to planting around 100,000 trees. Additionally, the plant will meet Milma’s full energy needs during daylight hours and contribute surplus energy to the grid during peak and off-peak hours.
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