Maharashtra to Commission 1,071 MW Solar Power Projects, Benefiting 3 Lakh Farmers

Strategic Insights -

Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) is set to commission solar power projects with a total capacity of 1,071 MW, reducing dependence on conventional energy and providing uninterrupted daytime electricity to farmers for irrigation. The Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0 aims to promote farmers' financial growth through sustainable energy while reducing service costs for agricultural electricity consumers. The initiative is a part of Mission 2025, which targets solarizing about 30% of agricultural feeders by the end of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • MAHAGENCO is commissioning solar power projects with a total capacity of 1,071 MW in a drive to reduce dependence on conventional energy and provide uninterrupted daytime electricity to farmers for irrigation.
  • The Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0 is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting farmers' financial growth through sustainable energy while reducing service costs for agricultural electricity consumers.
  • The initiative is part of Mission 2025, which targets solarizing about 30% of agricultural feeders by the end of 2025.
  • Solar projects ranging from 0.5 MW to 25 MW will be established within a 5-10 km radius of distribution substations with agricultural loads.
  • A strategic joint committee will be formed to ensure the timely completion of these solar projects and to provide guidance on the Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0.
  • MAHAGENCO and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet will jointly develop a central dashboard to monitor daily progress in land acquisition and project implementation.
  • The committee will include all key stakeholders who will also receive training on how to use the dashboard effectively.
  • The project is expected to benefit over 3 lakh farmers across the state.

Statistics:

  • Total capacity of 1,071 MW for the solar power projects commissioned by MAHAGENCO.
  • 3 lakh farmers expected to benefit from the project across the state.
  • 30% of agricultural feeders targeted to be solarized by the end of 2025 under Mission 2025.
  • Solar projects ranging from 0.5 MW to 25 MW to be established within a 5-10 km radius of distribution substations with agricultural loads.

Sources:

  • Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
  • National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
  • Hindustan Times