Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state has implemented Asia’s largest decentralised solar energy programme and is set to generate 16 GW of solar power by the end of this year. Speaking at a World Economic Forum session organised by the International Solar Alliance, he said Maharashtra has transformed its energy sector in under a decade by shifting agricultural power supply entirely to solar energy.
The move has reduced the cost of power to farmers from ₹8 to under ₹3 per unit, easing the burden on other consumers. The state is adding around 500 MW of solar capacity every month and is also implementing the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, under which 4 GW of rooftop solar capacity will be commissioned.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra leads the country in solar pump installations under the Magel Tyala Saur Pump scheme and expects the number to cross 10 lakh soon. These initiatives are projected to save $10 billion in power purchase costs over five years and significantly cut carbon emissions.
Looking ahead, the state plans to add 45 GW of power capacity by 2032, with solar accounting for 70 per cent, and raise the share of renewable energy to 52 per cent by 2030, supported by large-scale battery and pumped storage projects.
