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In a major step toward expanding solar energy adoption, the Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CERE), in partnership with BNP Paribas India, has successfully installed a combined 1.035 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, (ACTREC), Navi Mumbai, a premier cancer facility under the Tata Memorial Centre.
In Phase 3 of the project, a total solar PV capacity of 343 kWp has been installed, raising the total capacity at ACTREC to 1.035 MWp over 3 phases of the project. This initiative, which is part of CERE’s Switch on Solar (SoS) project, is aligned with India’s ambitions to become a forerunner in promoting solar energy and is in sync with India’s national clean energy and climate goals.
The massive 1.035 MW solar PV system is projected to save over INR 37 Crores while offsetting carbon emissions to the tune of 31,944 MTCO2e over the lifespan of the solar PV system. The system is expected to generate 15,06,000 units of electricity in the first year and is projected to generate 3,59,26,000 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.
Hospitals like ACTREC, with their energy-intensive infrastructure, depend heavily on electricity to power advanced diagnostic systems, 24-hour treatment facilities, research laboratories, air conditioning, and other modern amenities. CERE’s Switch on Solar (SoS) Project ensures a clean and sustainable source of energy, thereby significantly reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint. Beyond its environmental benefits, the financial savings achieved through reduced electricity expenditure will be redirected to support free cancer treatment, further strengthening ACTREC’s capacity to provide care for patients from economically underprivileged backgrounds.
The solar electrification of ACTREC is in sync with India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. Solar power has witnessed a surge in adoption, with installed capacity now increased to 154.2 GW as of April 2026. The project perfectly aligns with India’s targets for solar energy expansion and is in sync with the National Electricity Plan. India has recently surpassed 500 GW of installed electricity generation capacity, out of which non fossil fuel-based electricity account for over half of the country’s total installed electricity capacity, supporting the country’s ambitious net-zero emissions goal.
This is also in alignment with recent government announcements providing incentives for solar and wind energy. The most important among them is the rooftop solarisation scheme, under which 10 million households will be enabled to receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the ‘Suryodaya Yojana’, which focuses on promoting rooftop solar installations.
The project, implemented over 3 financial years, exemplifies the committed partnership between CERE and BNP Paribas in promoting solar energy while empowering charitable institutions reduce operational costs and reinvest savings into their core mission.
Centre for Environmental Research and Education (CERE)
The Centre for Environmental Research & Education (CERE) is a Mumbai-based organisation established in 2002 by Dr. (Ms.) Rashneh N. Pardiwala, an ecologist from the University of Edinburgh and Mrs. Kitayun Rustom, an environmental educationist. CERE works to promote environmental sustainability through research and innovation, formal education, government and corporate partnerships and publications. CERE’s flagship initiatives include Urban Afforestation Project (UAP), Switch on Solar (SoS), Water Conservation & Rainwater Harvesting, Carbon Map & CapTM and Environmental Education.
CERE’s Switch on Solar (SoS) initiative assists charitable organisations such as schools, colleges hospitals, old age homes, rescue centres and other institutions to adopt renewable energy through the installation of roof-top solar panels, thus directly helping mitigate climate change. Since 2018, CERE has installed solar PV systems totalling 3 MW capacity at 66 charitable organisations funded through CSR contributions.
BNP Paribas India started its operations in 1860 to support local and global corporate and financial institutions in their growth and expansion strategies. It is the second oldest foreign bank in the country, offering a rich and broad suite of solutions across the entire range of corporate and institutional banking, financing, investment banking, hedging and equity and derivatives.
BNP Paribas has six branches in India, located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, the recently inaugurated GIFT City branch – their International Banking Unit (IBU) and operations global delivery centres in Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai.
Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC)
Tata Memorial Centre is an autonomous grant-in-aid institution under Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India. Tata Memorial Centre is registered on 28th of June 1988 under the Bombay public Trust Act, 1950 and registered on 22nd April 1988 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and has been established initially in 1941.
ACTREC has its origins in the Indian Cancer Research Centre (ICRC) established in Mumbai under the Ministry of Health in 1952. The institution’s mission is to provide comprehensive cancer care for all and conduct innovative, affordable, and relevant research in cancer treatment.
Quotes:
CERE
Dr. (Ms.) Rashneh N. Pardiwala (Founder & Director, CERE) – Solar electrifying ACTREC has been one of the most challenging projects of CERE since we had to execute the project seamlessly at a fully operational research and medical facility with absolutely no inconvenience to the hundreds of critical care patients availing cancer treatment. However, this has also proved to be one of the most gratifying initiatives when we see the transformative impact of solar on one of India’s most advanced hospitals through financial savings, less pollution and more awareness.
BNP Paribas
Manisha Khosla Sinha (Head of Brand, Communications and CSR, BNP Paribas India) –
At BNP Paribas, we are committed to steering our philanthropic activities in a manner that drives sustainable change. The installation of solar panels at ACTREC in collaboration with CERE, reinforces our shared vision of a Net Zero future. This project uniquely delivers outcomes at the intersection of compelling environmental, social and economic realities of the country. The Switch on Solar (SoS) initiative, enables institutions to reduce their carbon emissions and redirect valuable resources toward expanding their outreach to economically disadvantaged communities.
ACTREC
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director, ACTREC.
“We sincerely thank CERE and BNP Paribas for their contribution towards making ACTREC a greener and more sustainable institution. This initiative is not only helping us to reduce our operational costs but also decreasing our carbon footprint. I strongly recommend that this successful model be replicated across all Tata Memorial Centre facilities nationwide, furthering our collective commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Dr. Navin Khattry, Deputy Director, Clinical Services, ACTREC.
“The solar electrification project has been a significant milestone for ACTREC. It ensures sustainable power for our clinical and research operations while enabling financial savings that directly support patient care. We deeply appreciate the collaboration with CERE and BNP Paribas for making this possible.”
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