Madhya Pradesh has come a long way from Power-Deficient to Power-Rich stage. Proud to have achieved self-reliance in energy, Madhya Pradesh is now striving to ensure energy security for all.
Energy for the future is everybody’s concern. This is a common knowledge that conservation of energy is more important than generation. The ever increasing biological pressures on the natural resources are leading to multiple problems. The conventional sources of energy have limitations. The sustainable power generation to satiate the energy demands of humans and industries is a challenge across the world. Harnessing of inexhaustible Green Energy therefore remains the only solution in sight. The alternative sources of energy need to be tapped in such a manner that energy as a resource becomes affordable and accessible to the neediest. Another logic that goes in favour of renewable energy is that it is environment friendly and has potential of creating jobs.
Madhya Pradesh has taken a good start. Just three years back, Madhya Pradesh started its journey. Today, the State is shining on India’s Renewable Energy Map. Many milestones have been achieved. Aggressive progression with futuristic policies and strong leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will make the State a hub of renewable energy of India. The journey has gained pace. Investors and green energy developers are now looking towards Madhya Pradesh as an ideal destination. The Global Investors Summit (GIS) at Indore is going on to witness a host of companies keen on investing in the State.
The GIS-Indore-2014 will see making of a history. Encouraged by the policy support and enabling investment-friendly atmosphere, major players in renewable sector have agreed to invest. Undoubtedly, it is a significant positive change at a nascent stage. Though, there are “miles to go”.
Madhya Pradesh is going to experience a complete transformation in energy sector with Central leadership and support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly spelt out his vision of promoting renewable energy.
Madhya Pradesh today remains the most preferred destination for genuine investors. The investors wish to assure themselves of uninterrupted power supply.
Their choice falls on alternative sources, which they can afford to have with them. This is a significant change in the investment behaviour. India’s largest 130 MW solar power project has been set up at Neemuch in district in a record time of 8 months. The world’s largest 750 MW ultra mega solar power project is coming up at Rewa.
It is a joint venture of State Government and Solar Energy Corporation of India with the World Bank funding.
The largest project for repowering of a wind farm is being taken up in Dewas.
This will repower 8 MW wind farm to more than 45 MW. Besides, `2100 crore - 4000 MW renewable energy transmission plat has been proposed to be taken up in the Green Corridor. Five solar cities - Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Rewa and Jabalpur will be coming up soon.
(The writer is Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of Madhya Pradesh)