A cumulative 996 kWp captive solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed across ACTREC's facilities in three phases

The Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CERE) in collaboration with BNP Paribas India, unveiled the successful solarisation of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), - a cancer unit of the Tata Memorial Centre located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

The initiative, part of CERE's 'Switch on Solar' (SoS) programme, marks a significant step toward fostering renewable energy adoption in India's healthcare sector, aligning with the nation's broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

As part of this transformational project, a cumulative 996 kWp captive solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed across ACTREC's facilities in three phases and is projected to save approx. Rs 35 crores while offsetting carbon emissions to the tune of 30,900 MTCO2e over the lifespan of the solar PV system.

The system is expected to generate 14,42,000 units of electricity in the first year and is projected to generate 3,44,10,000 units over 25 years. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, minimise carbon emissions, and promote sustainable operations for one of India's premier cancer research and treatment institutions.

"At BNP Paribas, we are committed to driving sustainable change through impactful partnerships. The installation of solar panels at ACTREC marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with CERE, reinforcing our shared vision of a Net Zero future. Through the Switch on Solar initiative with CERE, we aim to use our philanthropic grants to enable institutions to reduce their carbon emissions and redirect valuable resources toward expanding their outreach to economically disadvantaged communities. With this initiative, we are proud to contribute to a cleaner environment while enabling a reduction in medical expenses for over 21,000 individuals annually," said Sanjay Singh, CEO and Head, Territory, BNP Paribas.

Dr Rashneh Pardiwala, Founder and Director of CERE states, "Our Switch on Solar (SoS) initiative aims to assist charitable organisations such as schools and colleges, hospitals, old age homes, rescue centres and other institutions adopt renewal energy through the installation of rooftop solar panels, thus directly helping mitigate climate change. Over the past six years, we have solar-electrified over 50 worthy institutions with the support of CSR funds. By installing solar PV systems at public hospitals and research centres, such as ACTREC, we hope to create successful models of environmental sustainability that can be emulated by establishments across India. In the face of global warming, Switch on Solar (SoS) is the need of the hour as it is perfectly aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Goal 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities, Goal 13 – Climate Action."