Madhya Pradesh recognized as “Solar State” and Bhopal as “Solar City”

Bhopal: New and Renewable Energy Minister Harsh Yadav has said that the state government has succeeded in getting the state the recognition as “Solar State” and Bhopal as “Solar City” in its first year term. The World Bank has also praised the innovations made for the use of solar energy in the industrial sectors of the state. He informed that Madhya Pradesh has gone way ahead in the implementation of solar roof top projects. Within a year, 670 MW capacity has been added in grid connected projects in the state. As many as 645 MW solar projects and 25 MW biomass projects have been set up in the state. Yadav said that in the next 4 years, about 6 thousand MW capacity new and renewable energy based projects will be executed. 1500 MW solar projects will also be started in Aagar-Malwa, Shajapur and Neemuch district for which land has been allocated.
Giving information about the work done in the field of solar power, solar pump installation, power storage, e-vehicle usage, wind power and floating power plant installation in the state, Minister Yadav said that full capacity of 750 MW power production is being obtained from the Rewa project. Out of this, about 100 MW power is being supplied to Delhi Metro every day. He informed that electricity is being provided in the state at an economical rate of Rs. 2.97 per unit.
It has been decided to set up solar parks on barren lands in Bundelkhand and Chambal regions of the state. The process of developing a 1000 MW capacity floating solar plant at Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar reservoirs has started. Yadav said that setting up floating plants of this capacity is a unique initiative in the country.
Minister Harsh Yadav said that 8.5 MW solar power projects have been running successfully in the state. In addition, 43 MW capacity projects are taking shape to generate energy. In the next four years, solar roof top projects of about 500 MW would start functioning. He said that a 500 KW capacity solar plant has been installed on the bridge and retaining wall near the upper lake in Bhopal city. The Karbala Pump House near the plant is operated with solar energy. This has led to a saving of Rs 40 lakhs annually and environmental protection equivalent to about 10 thousand trees. A solar plant has also been installed at the water treatment plant at Ujjain. Solar plants are being used in university buildings, medical colleges, stadiums and various institutions. About 600 industries have been surveyed in Mandideep and 28 MW capacity is being produced by various units on RESCO model. Entrepreneurs are getting attracted towards solar rooftop projects in Pilukhedi and Pithampur industrial areas.
The Minister of New and Renewable Energy informed that the state government has started work in the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model. The availability of electricity at the lowest rate of Rs. 1.38 units in the country has also been appreciated in the project. He informed that 2 lakh solar pumps will be installed in the state. So far, 18 thousand solar pumps have been installed. The target is to install 25 thousand solar pumps this year. He informed that toll free call centers are being started soon to solve the complaints of solar pump consumers.
The Madhya Pradesh government has instituted the Vinoba Bhave International Solar Pump Award, which will be given to other country through the International Solar Alliance for outstanding work in this field. Solar charging stations will be set up to increase the use of e-vehicles in the state. A charging station has been established at the headquarters of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam.