Prahlad Joshi inaugurates 950 MW solar projects in Madhya Pradesh
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi on Monday, 29 June inaugurated two major solar power installations in Neemuch and Shajapur districts of Madhya Pradesh, commissioning a combined capacity of 950 MW and describing the state as one of India's fastest-rising renewable energy hubs. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accompanied the Union Minister during the visit.
The Two Projects
The newly commissioned 500 MW Neemuch Solar Park and the 450 MW Shajapur Solar Park were built at a combined cost of ₹2,080 crore. Together, they are expected to meaningfully strengthen Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy generation base. Joshi called the state's achievement of supplying solar power at ₹2.14 per unit a 'historic milestone', describing it as the country's lowest solar tariff.
'Madhya Pradesh is offering the country's lowest solar power tariff of ₹2.14 per unit. It is a historic achievement and reflects the state's commitment to affordable and clean energy,' Joshi said while addressing the gathering.
Targets and Pipeline
Joshi urged the state to push further, setting a target of 10 GW of wind power capacity over the next two years. He also highlighted two projects in the pipeline: the 440 MW solar-plus-storage project in Morena and the Gandhi Sagar Pumped Storage Project in Neemuch, both aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply.
Officials confirmed that the 550 MW Agar Solar Park is currently under construction. In Neemuch district alone, projects with a combined capacity of more than 1,952 MW are under development, adding to the district's existing 675 MW of operational solar capacity.
Madhya Pradesh's Renewable Energy Standing
Chief Minister Yadav said the state's total renewable energy capacity has crossed 12,000 MW, and that the government remains focused on making Madhya Pradesh the country's leading producer of clean and sustainable energy. 'Our goal is green development. Madhya Pradesh has become self-reliant in power generation. It is now moving towards becoming the country's leading state in clean, affordable and sustainable energy,' Yadav said.
This comes amid a broader national push to scale up non-fossil fuel capacity, with India targeting 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Madhya Pradesh's aggressive commissioning pace positions it as a key contributor to that national goal.
Industrial and Infrastructure Push
Beyond the solar parks, both leaders also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for industrial and infrastructure projects worth ₹1,553.98 crore in the region. These included a solar glass manufacturing unit proposed at an investment of over ₹1,200 crore. Additionally, 98 development works worth around ₹160 crore were inaugurated or launched in Neemuch district, signalling a broader intent to build an integrated green energy and manufacturing corridor in the region.
With major projects under construction and fresh industrial investment flowing in, Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy ambitions appear set to accelerate further in the months ahead.