In Short : The state’s move toward a decentralized renewable energy policy, as indicated by the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) chief, represents a significant step in promoting sustainable energy practices. Embracing decentralized renewable energy systems can lead to several benefits, including increased energy access, reduced transmission losses, and enhanced resilience against power outages.
In Detail : Schemes being implemented, targets being set for 5 years, say MEDA officials.
Maharashtra government is planning an ambitious policy on decentralised renewable energy in Maharashtra. Dr Kadambari Balkawade, Director General of MEDA (Maharashtra Energy Development Agency), Thursday said the policy will encompass a variety of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydro.
Decentralised renewable energy refers to energy systems that generate power from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or biomass, and are distributed close to the point of use, rather than being supplied through a centralised grid from large-scale power plants.
Dr Balkawade had spoken about plans on the DRE policy at a virtual meeting of the Town Hall – the first in a series of four on ‘The Future Growth of Solar in Maharashtra’. This is a joint initiative by the Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra, under its climate programme ‘Majhi Vasundhra 4.0’ and ‘Climate Voices’ under Mission LiFE.
As per MEDA officials, schemes are being implemented and targets are being set for next five years. Already several solar agriculture pumps for farmers have been installed in Maharashtra.
This model of energy production and distribution, said experts, empowers local communities, businesses and homeowners by enabling them to produce their own energy, potentially making them less reliant on traditional energy grids.
Moreover, decentralised systems can enhance energy access in remote or off-grid locations, where extending the central grid might be economically or geographically challenging, experts said.
At a recent virtual meeting, Pavin Darade, Principal Secretary of Environment and Climate Change Department, spoke about the state’s preparedness with Maharashtra climate action plan, district level action plan, and city action plans. He emphasised the importance of aligning and implementing all plans simultaneously to effectively combat climate change. Darade highlighted the crucial need for sustainable development that actively involves every stakeholder.
During discussion, community initiatives were presented, including Murtaza Sadriwala from Burhani Foundation, which showcased the community’s journey towards understanding and adopting renewable energy, with a specific emphasis on solar power.
Atul Wagh shared Shirdi Sai Baba Trust’s work in housing one of Asia’s most extensive solar installations and their innovative solar kitchen while Ravindra Mane narrated the transformative tale of Manyachiwadi Village in Satara district, where over 100 women leaders rallied to turn the village into one of Maharashtra’s premier solar-powered villages after it faced frequent power outages.
A subsequent panel on the ‘Roadmap for Implementation of Decentralised Solar Applications in Maharashtra’ comprised speakers, including Dr Balkawade, Madhura Joshi from E3G, Dr SP Gon Chaudhuri from the International Solar Innovation Council, Ashwin Gambhir from Prayas Energy Group and Sudhir Budhay, a rooftop solar petitioner in the high court. Key topics included Maharashtra’s Mission 2025, targeting a massive 7,000 MW generation across the state, with agriculture feeders supporting 30 per cent of electricity.
