Will All Government Buildings in Madhya Pradesh Have Solar Rooftops by 2025?

Bhopal, June 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, announced on Tuesday that the state government plans to equip all government buildings with solar rooftops by the conclusion of 2025. This initiative is a key component of the state's strategy to boost its renewable energy capacity.

The State Energy Department aims to provide 32 lakh new electricity connections soon, which will help alleviate the energy burden on residents, according to the Chief Minister.

Currently, there are 30 lakh farmers with permanent electricity connections, while over two lakh farmers still depend on temporary connections.

During the “Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Summit” held in Bhopal, Chief Minister Yadav reaffirmed the state’s dedication to renewable energy. He urged for the gradual elimination of electricity bills for farmers, redirecting the billions spent on subsidies into other developmental projects.

Yadav pointed to the Delhi Metro as an example of successful solar energy implementation, showcasing the growing trend toward renewable sources. He encouraged investors to prepare for increasing electricity demands, noting a shift in investment patterns from relying on subsidies of one crore five lakh rupees to committing Rs 85 lakh.

He also highlighted the dual benefits of solar energy, where land beneath solar panels can still serve multiple purposes. The Chief Minister emphasized the significant roles of thermal, wind, and solar energy in the state's growth and stressed the importance of collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in energy projects.

Chief Minister Yadav announced the establishment of 22 solar units in Mohasa-Babai within the Narmadapuram district, backed by an investment of Rs 18,000 crore, and declared Sanchi as the first solar city in the state. He praised the floating solar project at Omkareshwar and the extensive solar initiative in Rewa, noting that renewable energy production in Madhya Pradesh has surged fifteen-fold, with over 9,300 megawatts of projects operational.

State New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla underscored efforts to attract small investors and farmers to solar energy production. Unlike other states focusing on large investors with projects between 100 and 200 megawatts, Madhya Pradesh is encouraging farmers to engage in energy generation.

“A subsidy of one crore five lakh rupees is available for one megawatt of solar power, although some investors are joining without requiring subsidies,” Minister Shukla remarked.

The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana, launched at the summit, aims to provide affordable daytime electricity to farmers, thereby reducing reliance on coal-based power. This initiative allows bidding for solar projects, inviting both investors and farmers to participate in smaller-scale energy production.

The state currently has 14,500 megawatts of capacity across more than 1,900 substations. Under the Agriculture Infra Fund, a three percent interest rebate for seven years has been introduced to encourage solar projects.