MP's renewable energy capacity increased 14 times in last 12 years: CM

Bhopal: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said that the renewable energy capacity of MP has increased by more than 14 times in the last 12 years. He made the comment during his presentation on clean and green energy in Madhya Pradesh, at the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The event was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.

Yadav said that the MP has the power to make the impossible possible. "We are determined to work with commitment to realise the dreams of PM Modi," he said.

While addressing the session, Yadav said that in 2012, the renewable energy capacity in MP was less than 500 MW. However, due to the formation of a separate department in the state and because of policy changes and various incentives offered by the govt, the renewable energy capacity of the state increased by more than 14 times in the last 12 years. Today, renewable energy contributes 21 percent to the state's total energy capacity.

Yadav said that MP is also a leading state in innovation in the renewable energy sector. He added, "Large solar energy parks were established under the Rewa Solar Project. From here, solar energy, which is cheaper than coal-produced energy, has been made available in the country for the first time. The Rewa solar plant provided electricity to Delhi Metro and has been recognised globally as a model project. The project is also taught as a case study at Harvard University. The country's lowest tariff at Neemuch solar park of Agar-Shajapur-Neemuch Solar Project is Rs 2.14 per unit."

Yadav pointed out that a 1500MW capacity solar park is under construction in Agar-Shajapur-Neemuch. The world's largest floating solar project of 600 MW capacity is also being developed at Omkareshwar on the Narmada river. Panels for a 200 MW project have been installed in it. This project will also reduce water loss due to evaporation.

In his presentation, he noted that the work to accomplish the target to install solar rooftops on all govt buildings by 2025 is in mission mode. Nearly 15,000-hectare land has been identified in Agar, Dhar, Ashoknagar, Bhind, Shivpuri, and Sagar districts, where 7,500 MW solar energy capacity will be installed. The target is to install 3,000 MW of wind energy in Ujjain, Agar, Dhar, Mandsaur, and Ratlam, he said.

The state govt is considering making necessary changes in the existing pumped hydro action plan of the state for the smooth development of pumped hydro energy storage projects so that investors can easily invest in the state.

Yadav said that to encourage renewable energy, a 227.54-acre state-of-the-art manufacturing zone is underway in Narmadapuram at the cost of Rs 464.65 crore. The govt is providing attractive incentives on land, electricity, and water rates in this zone. Under this, land will be allotted at a token amount of Re one, and the annual rate of lease rent will be Re one per square metre. There will be a discount of Rs 4.36 paise per unit in electricity rate for the first five years, along with many other concessions that will also be given by the state govt.