From Windmills to Solar Power: India's First Village to Become a Beacon of Green Energy

In a remarkable display of innovation and forward-thinking, the village panchayat of Odanthurai set a shining example of sustainable living. Taking the lead in renewable energy adoption, they constructed their very own 350kW windmill, becoming the first village in the country to do so under the remunerative enterprises scheme. This ambitious project, with an investment of Rs 1.7 crore, proved to be a resounding success. Located near Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu, the windmill has been exceeding expectations, generating an impressive 8 lakh units of electricity annually. To put this into perspective, the power requirement for Odanthurai stands at approximately 4.5 lakh units. With such surplus power at hand, the panchayat has taken the proactive step of selling the excess energy to the state grid. Under the visionary leadership of former panchayat president, R Shanmugam, the decision to opt for a windmill under the remunerative enterprises scheme was a groundbreaking move. While other panchayats pursued revenue-generating ventures like constructing shopping complexes, Odanthurai prioritized sustainable energy solutions. This remarkable achievement has not only secured an uninterrupted power supply for the village, but it has also propelled them toward self-sufficiency. A testament to their commitment, Odanthurai now boasts 65 solar streetlights and a 9 kW biomass gasifier, enabling them to pump drinking water and meet additional energy needs. The success story of Odanthurai village panchayat has captured the attention of neighboring communities and serves as a model worth emulating.  As the importance of power in driving development activities cannot be overstated, the need to harness renewable energy resources has become paramount. Odanthurai's pioneering efforts stand as a shining beacon, inspiring communities across the nation to explore sustainable energy solutions and pave the way for a greener future.