Bhopal, June 29 (IANS). Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said that Madhya Pradesh is fast becoming one of the major renewable energy hubs of India.
He said this while inaugurating two big solar energy projects in Neemuch and Shajapur districts of Madhya Pradesh along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. He also appealed to the state to further increase its clean energy capacity.
Joshi said that providing solar energy at the rate of Rs 2.14 per unit by the state is a historic achievement. He said the commissioning of 500 MW Neemuch Solar Park and 450 MW Shajapur Solar Park is a major step in India’s green energy transition.
These two projects, built at a cost of about Rs 2,080 crore, will strengthen the renewable energy production capacity of Madhya Pradesh.
“Madhya Pradesh is providing the cheapest solar power in the country at Rs 2.14 per unit, which is a historic achievement and shows the state’s commitment towards affordable and clean energy,” he said.
The Union Minister said the state should target 10 gigawatt wind power capacity in the next two years.
He also mentioned the 440 MW solar-plus-storage project of Morena and Gandhi Sagar Pumped Storage Project of Neemuch and said that these projects will ensure affordable and reliable power.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the state government is committed to making Madhya Pradesh the leading state of the country in clean and sustainable energy production.
He said that the state is also focusing on attracting investment and creating employment.
The Chief Minister said, “Our aim is green development. Madhya Pradesh has become self-reliant in power generation and now it is moving towards becoming the leading state of the country in clean, affordable and sustainable energy.
He said that Neemuch district is emerging rapidly in the renewable energy sector. There is already 675 MW solar capacity operating here.
Apart from this, projects of more than 1,952 MW capacity are under construction.
The two leaders also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of industrial and infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,553.98 crore.
These also include a solar glass manufacturing unit with an investment of more than Rs 1,200 crore.
Apart from this, 98 development works worth about Rs 160 crore were also inaugurated in Neemuch district.
Officials said that 550 MW Agar Solar Park is also under construction.
–IANS
AMT/DKP