Nagpur, Dec 13 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister of State for Energy, Meghana Bordikar Sakore, presented the State’s ambitious renewable energy agenda on Saturday, while also confirming intentions to enhance thermal power capacity due to a significant surge in electricity demand from both industry and residential sectors.

In response to a calling attention motion by MLA Kishore Jorgewar regarding the addition of renewable energy capacity and the proposed thermal facility at Chandrapur, the Minister emphasized the government's dedication to providing a stable and reliable power supply during the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

The Minister stated that Maharashtra has pledged to reach net-zero emissions from fossil fuels by 2050. According to the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, structures exceeding 15 meters must reduce reliance on fossil fuels by 2030. The State's goal is to derive 40 percent of its total electricity from renewable sources.

Highlighting the New and Renewable Energy Sources Policy launched in 2020, the Minister mentioned that Maharashtra aims to create 17,360 MW of renewable energy capacity. She pointed out the ongoing Chief Minister Solar Power Mission (Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana), which is an extensive initiative to supply solar feeders to farmers for a continuous and sustainable power supply.

The Minister informed the assembly that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) amounting to 42,518 MW from various sources, which include 2,203 MW through short-term contracts and 984 MW through medium-term contracts. She added that these PPAs have been strategized to secure power supply until 2031-32.

To tackle the intermittency associated with solar and wind energy and to ensure grid stability, the State is advancing new thermal projects. The Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) currently stands as the largest power plant in Maharashtra, boasting an installed capacity of 3,340 MW from its existing units (2 × 210 MW and 5 × 500 MW).

“The State is contemplating the establishment of a new 800-MW unit at CSTPS utilizing Advanced Ultra Supercritical technology, which includes provisions for flexible operation. The detailed project report along with technical and financial viability studies has been submitted, with project feasibility extending to 2038-39,” stated the Minister.

She mentioned that Advanced Ultra Supercritical technology is prioritized nationally for its increased efficiency and reduced emissions compared to older thermal units.

The Minister added that the proposed expansion of the State-owned Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) is a central aspect of Maharashtra’s energy strategy, though the project is still in the detailed planning and approval phases.

The primary objective, she noted, is to harmonize the rapid growth of renewable energy with reliable base-load power, ensuring effective load management, preventing outages, and depending on “must-run” thermal generation when solar energy is not available.