Maharashtra Renewable Energy Grows By 9% Last Fiscal

The state economic survey of Maharashtra for the period of 2022-23, is out and it paints a bright picture as far as renewable energy is concerned in the state. The state economic survey held that there has been a reasonable jump in the renewable capacity of the state. In 2022-23 financial year, the installed renewable energy capacity of Maharashtra grew by 9 per cent when a comparison is made with the previous fiscal.

The report held, “The state has been taking efforts in promoting clean energy to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” Maharashtra is now ranking fifth according to the survey. Only Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka stand ahead of Maharashtra in terms of RE installation.

According to the Maharashtra economic survey, the state has clocked installed renewable energy at 11,400 MW which includes 3,352 MW of solar installations in 2022-23. The capacity stood at 10,502 MW in fiscal 2021-22. This was mere 9846 MW in 2020-21. The capacity disclosed are made up of solar, wind, hydro, and waste to energy sources.

The economic survey also reveals that the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) also improved for all power utilities in state for 2022. All power companies excluding BEST witnessed a decline in electricity distribution losses in Maharashtra.

According to the data released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Maharashtra is producing renewable energy a little over 15 GW. The hydropower share is about 3.3 GW and the rest is mainly solar and wind that stands to about 11.7 GW. The state also has 690 MW of nuclear energy which is clean but not renewable.

Recently, MSEDCL has invited bids for the development of 500 MW of solar power under KUSUM Scheme. SJVN is also building a 105 MW of floating solar project for MAHAGENCO.