Williamnagar, June 29: A college in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills has set a benchmark for itself by becoming the first fully solar-powered institution in the state.

A 15-MV solar power project was installed at Loyola College, Williamnagar, in its academic block in February this year.

The institution conceptualised the need for the project, as power supply to the institute was irregular and voltage fluctuations combined with lightning had caused extensive damage to electronic goods.

"There was shortage in power supply. To generate alternative power, we wanted to partner a government initiative to tap clean and renewable sources of energy. We submitted a proposal to legislator Deborah Marak," said Fr Sunny Augustine SJ, principal of Loyola College.

Fr Augustine said the institute generates twice the electricity it consumes through solar power plants installed on the roofs of the three-storied sprawling academic block. Since February 2016, the institute has been self-reliant in energy and produced 10 KW of power. By installing the solar energy project, the institution is saving on the cost of electricity. The institution terms the investment as the future, as a generation of students will learn the use of green and renewable energy, which is available in plenty in Garo hills.

The college, established by the Jesuit Fathers and Brothers in 2010, has filled the gap in providing higher education in East Garo Hills. In the absence of higher education facilities, students from East Garo Hills either had to study in Shillong, Tura or Guwahati or at government institutions, which do not have adequate infrastructure facilities.

The college provides higher secondary education under the Meghalaya Board of School Education and degree courses in arts and commerce under the North Eastern Hill University and has strength of 800 plus students.

"We will install an additional 30 computer systems next year and will be able to use the optimum energy produced by the solar power system," Fr Augustine said.

He said the surplus power generated could be given out to the grid but facilities for power sharing is not available in the district, though they have the option and the technology. At present, the entire institution is using the energy.

Social welfare minister Deborah Marak dedicated the project to the college yesterday, which was operational since February.

The minister had personally contributed to the setting up of the project.

"I was highly impressed with the idea presented to me by the institution and decided to contribute funds for the execution of the project. It is a first of its kind in Meghalaya and I will promote such ventures in other institutions as well. Green energy is the future and the government has to take it up. Let it be exemplary. In the future, I will take this up with departments concerned to promote the project in other institutions of the state as well," Marak told The Telegraph.