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Maharashtra's Solar Success: 16,000 MW for Farmers Becomes Global Case Study

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced at the World Economic Forum that Maharashtra's massive solarisation project for farmers has gained international recognition. The state has created Asia's largest distributed solar infrastructure, supplying 16,000 MW of electricity to the agricultural sector. This model, where 60% of the country's solar pumps are installed in Maharashtra, will now be studied as a case study by the International Solar Alliance. Fadnavis credited the transformation to national leadership and outlined a goal for 52% of the state's electricity to come from non-conventional sources by 2030.

Key Points: Maharashtra Solar Plan for Farmers a Global Model: Fadnavis

  • Asia's largest distributed solar network
  • 16,000 MW power for farmers
  • 60% of India's solar pumps in Maharashtra
  • Global case study for International Solar Alliance
  • 52% renewable energy target by 2030
2 min read

"Will completely transform Mumbai's air, water quality, and liveability," says Devendra Fadnavis

CM Devendra Fadnavis announces Maharashtra's 16,000 MW solar project for farmers, praised at Davos and set as a case study by the International Solar Alliance.

"All the solar pumps installed in the country, 60 per cent are in Maharashtra alone. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Davos, January 22

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday shared about the state's successful solar energy plan for farmers, which will now be studied by the International Solar Alliance. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the Chief Minister shared that global leaders appreciated how Maharashtra is providing 16,000 MW of power to its farmers using Asia's largest solar network.

Regarding the energy transition, the CM said, "Today, there was a session focused on energy transition, particularly the International Solar Alliance. Ministers from Zimbabwe and our Union ministers participated, engaging in extensive discussions on energy transition. During the session, we highlighted how Maharashtra's solarisation efforts exemplify the Maharashtra model. We have created Asia's largest distributed solar infrastructure, supplying 16,000 MW of electricity to farmers. We are taking it all through solar."

Highlighting the state's pride, he said, "All the solar pumps installed in the country, 60 per cent are in Maharashtra alone. That is why Maharashtra is at number 1 in the Prime Minister's Kusum scheme."

"Along with this, we have also completed 4000 MW of rooftop solar work, and the way we have prepared the resource adequacy plan, in 2030, 52 per cent of the electricity in Maharashtra will come from non-conventional sources. When I showcased all this, people appreciated it a lot, and since it is the International Solar Alliance, they have also talked about sending it to the same countries as a case study, so it is a matter of great pride for Maharashtra and the country", he added. "

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state will complete its major solar energy project by the end of this year. This project is designed to provide farmers with a steady supply of solar electricity.

Devendra Fadnavis said, "We created a new company to supply power to farmers, and now around 16 GW of power will be generated through solar, through this distributed system, and we will complete this project by the end of this year."

He further said that "under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Renewable Energy, Maharashtra has transformed the entire energy landscape in just less than a decade's time. With the vision of PM Modi, we decided to entirely shift the agriculture power load on solar, and we started Asia's biggest decentralised solarisation plan whereby the agriculture feeder was separately solarised."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy, I'm impressed by the scale. 16,000 MW is massive. If this model is replicated across other states, it could significantly reduce India's carbon footprint. Great to see international recognition at Davos.
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Priya S
Hope the benefits actually reach the small farmers and aren't just on paper. We hear about big schemes, but implementation at the village level is key. Fingers crossed this transforms rural Maharashtra's economy.
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Rohit P
Solar pumps are a brilliant solution for daytime irrigation. But what about maintenance and repair networks in remote areas? The project's long-term success depends on that support system being in place. A good step, but details matter.
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Vikram M
Bahut badhiya! When farmers get reliable daytime power, it increases productivity and reduces stress. This is real development. If it cleans Mumbai's air too, even better. Win-win.
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While celebrating this, we must not forget the existing coal power plants and pollution in industrial areas like Chandrapur. The transition to 52% non-conventional by 2030 is ambitious and needs consistent follow-through beyond announcements.
M
Michael C
This is the kind of large-scale infrastructure project that gets investors excited. Stable, green

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