Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi on Monday said Madhya Pradesh was fast emerging as one of India's leading renewable energy hubs. He made the remarks while inaugurating two major solar power projects in Neemuch and Shajapur districts during a visit to Madhya Pradesh with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday.
He also urged the state to expand its clean energy capacity further. Calling the state's achievement of supplying solar power at Rs 2.14 per unit a "historic milestone", Joshi said the commissioning of the 500 MW Neemuch Solar Park and the 450 MW Shajapur Solar Park marked another major step in India's green energy transition.
Built at a combined cost of Rs 2,080 crore, the two projects are expected to strengthen Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy generation capacity. "Madhya Pradesh is offering the country's lowest solar power tariff of Rs 2.14 per unit. It is a historic achievement and reflects the state's commitment to affordable and clean energy," Joshi said while addressing the gathering.
The Union Minister said the state should now target 10 GW of wind power capacity over the next two years. He also highlighted the 440 MW solar-plus-storage project in Morena and the Gandhi Sagar Pumped Storage Project in Neemuch, saying both would ensure reliable and affordable electricity.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state government was committed to making Madhya Pradesh the country's leading producer of clean and sustainable energy. He said the state was also focused on attracting investment and generating employment.
"Our goal is green development. Madhya Pradesh has become self-reliant in power generation. It is now moving towards becoming the country's leading state in clean, affordable and sustainable energy," Yadav said. Highlighting Neemuch's growing importance in the renewable energy sector, the Chief Minister said the district already has 675 MW of operational solar capacity.
Projects with a combined capacity of more than 1,952 MW are under construction. He added that the state's renewable energy capacity had crossed 12,000 MW. "The two new solar parks, along with industrial investments, will create employment opportunities.
They will also strengthen the state's industrial base. Neemuch is steadily emerging as a major centre for green energy and manufacturing," Yadav said. The two leaders also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for industrial and infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,553.98 crore.
These included a solar glass manufacturing unit proposed at an investment of over Rs 1,200 crore. In addition, 98 development works worth around Rs 160 crore were inaugurated or launched in Neemuch district. Officials said the 550 MW Agar Solar Park was also under construction.