MAHARASHTRA’S Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar-Sakore, on Saturday, outlined ambitious renewable energy targets and stated that the State would bolster plans for a new 800 MW thermal power project to meet its growing electricity demand. Responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLA Kishore Jorgewar in State Assembly on Saturday, the Minister provided information regarding renewable energy capacity. She addressed concern about increasing power supply in the State and ensuring a stable power supply amidst rising industrial and residential demand.

 

“The State Government is considering setting up a new 800 MW unit at Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS), based on advanced ultra-supercritical technology, with flexible operational capabilities. A detailed project report and technical/economic feasibility assessment have been submitted for the 800 MW project and the project’s viability extends until 2028-39. Due to higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to older units, this technology is being prioritised across India,” she stated. Reiterating Maharashtra’s committed towards making rigorous efforts to achieve net-zero emissions from fossil fuels by 2050, the Minister stated that according to the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, buildings taller than 15 meters are required to adhere to certain standards to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by 2030. Bordikar explained, “

 

The Government is committed to generating 40 percent of total electricity from renewable energy sources. Considering the new and renewable energy sources policy announced in 2020, the state has set a target of 17,360 MW of power generation capacity from renewable sources.” A comprehensive campaign is underway to provide uninterrupted and sustainable power supply to farmers under the Chief Minister Solar Agricultural Feeder Scheme, she said.The Minister informed the Assembly that Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has entered into various power purchase agreements, securing a total of 42,518 MW of power from different sources. This includes 2,203 MW from short-term agreements and 984 MW from medium-term agreements.

 

MSEDCL has signed power purchase agreements for 80,200 MW of power until 2021-32. Furthermore, to overcome the issues of intermittency in solar and wind energy and to maintain grid stability, the State is working on new thermal power projects. CSTPS is currently the largest power project in Maharashtra, operating at a total capacity of 3,340 MW from its existing units (2 x 210 MW and 5 x 500 MW ). The State’s objective is to efficiently manage the power load while transitioning towards nonconventional energy sources. The Minister said that this should be done, power outages should be avoided, and when solar energy is not available, they should rely on‘essential’ electricity from thermal sources.