Maharashtra: MAHANIRMITI To Set Up 1,071 MW Solar Power Projects To Provide Farmers With Uninterrupted Daytime Electricity

To reduce dependence on conventional energy, cut carbon emissions, and provide farmers with uninterrupted daytime electricity for irrigation, the Maharashtra government is implementing various schemes. As a part of this, MAHAGENCO (Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited) will soon commission solar power projects with a total capacity of 1071 MW under the Chief Minister’s Solar Energy Project 2.0. These projects are expected to benefit over 3 lakh farmers across the state, announced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

About MAHAGENCO

MAHAGENCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maharashtra State Electricity Generation Company Limited and is one of India’s largest state-run power producers with an installed capacity of about 13,880 MW. After NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), it is the second-largest state-owned power generation company in the country. MAHAGENCO operates a diversified portfolio that includes thermal, gas, hydro, and solar power generation. The company is now focusing on renewable energy projects to supply electricity at lower rates while reducing carbon emissions.

GEAPP India (Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet)

GEAPP India is the Indian chapter of GEAPP LLC, formed in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund. It supports developing nations in achieving fair, balanced, and accelerated green energy transitions. In India, GEAPP focuses on implementing scalable and distributable clean energy solutions.

Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0

The state’s goal is to reduce dependence on conventional energy, cut carbon emissions, and enhance agricultural productivity by supplying uninterrupted daytime electricity to farmers. The Chief Minister’s Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0 is a flagship initiative of the Maharashtra government aimed at promoting farmers’ financial growth through sustainable energy while reducing service costs for agricultural electricity consumers.

Under this distributed renewable energy model, solar projects dedicated to agricultural usage are being connected to the grid. As part of Mission 2025, the government aims to solarize about 30% of agricultural feeders by 2025. Solar projects ranging from 0.5 MW to 25 MW will be established within a 5–10 km radius of distribution substations with agricultural loads.

GEAPP’s Support to MAHAGENCO's Solar Mission

To ensure effective execution of the project, GEAPP India will provide a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) and a digital platform to manage data collection, monitor current status, and streamline project management. Utilizing GEAPP’s technology and innovations will enable efficient implementation of the Chief Minister’s Solar Energy Project 2.0 and promote sustainable development in Maharashtra.

A strategic Joint Committee will be formed to ensure timely completion of these solar projects and to provide guidance on the Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme 2.0. This committee will include all key stakeholders. A central dashboard will be developed jointly by GEAPP India and MAHAGENCO to monitor land acquisition and project implementation progress on a daily basis. All stakeholders will be trained to use the dashboard effectively.