Khargone's 60 MW Jalood Solar Plant inaugurated, MP CM calls it national achievement
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday, 29 April 2025, inaugurated the 60-megawatt Jalood Solar Power Plant in Khargone district, calling it a "national achievement" and a landmark step in clean energy generation and public participation. The plant, located near Maheshwar, was built at a cost of approximately ₹271 crore under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and is the first of its kind to be financed through Green Bonds.
Key Features of the Jalood Solar Project
The 60 MW plant at Jalood is designed to supply electricity to the Indore Municipal Corporation, directly benefiting urban consumers while reducing the city's carbon footprint. Chief Minister Yadav described the project as offering "dual benefits" — power generation and environmental protection — calling it a best-in-class approach to green energy in the country.
The project is projected to recover its costs within 10 years, after which it is expected to generate surplus returns, according to state officials. Notably, the foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
Citizens as Investors: The Green Bond Model
What sets the Jalood plant apart is its citizen-investment structure. Funded through Green Bonds, the project allows individuals across the country to directly invest in the plant. Under the scheme, citizens can purchase up to 10 bonds of ₹1 lakh each, earning approximately 8% annual returns over a 20-year period.
Chief Minister Yadav emphasised that the bonds can also be sold if required, making it a flexible and accessible investment option. "Through the Green Bond Scheme, citizens of the country have been made partners in this project," he said, adding that the credit for pioneering this model belongs to Madhya Pradesh.
MP's Shift from Power Deficit to Clean Surplus
Yadav used the occasion to highlight Madhya Pradesh's broader energy transformation, noting that the state has moved from chronic power shortages to a position of providing affordable electricity to its residents. This comes amid India's accelerating push toward its renewable energy targets, with states increasingly competing to attract green infrastructure investment.
The Jalood plant adds to a growing portfolio of solar projects in the Nimar region of western Madhya Pradesh, an area with high solar irradiance levels that makes it well-suited for utility-scale generation.
Other Highlights from the Inauguration Event
During the event, Chief Minister Yadav also spotlighted the state's broader cultural and scientific initiatives, including the development of the Vedic Clock and its installation in Ujjain and Varanasi. He framed these alongside the solar project as part of Madhya Pradesh's identity as a state that bridges heritage and modernity.
With the Jalood plant now operational, attention will turn to whether the Green Bond model can be replicated across other renewable projects in the state and nationally.