A high-level delegation led by Power Minister AT Mondal on Thursday participated in a crucial meeting organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and chaired by the Union Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting renewable energy in the North-Eastern states.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, aimed at fostering sustainable energy solutions in the region.
Speaking during the meeting, Mondal highlighted the progress made by the state in the renewable energy sector, the challenges faced by the state and the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of Meghalaya to promote renewable energy through a demand-driven and problem-solving approach.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring energy security for the people of Meghalaya and the North-Eastern states.
To address this, the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission (CM Solar Mission), an intervention conceptualised by the Chief Minister, has been launched by the Government of Meghalaya, which is set to revolutionize energy access in the state.
The Government of Meghalaya has successfully implemented Solar Cold Storage and Solar Food Processing units, enabling efficient and sustainable energy utilization in the state. These initiatives not only ensure energy security but also contribute to the preservation of agricultural produce and support local industries.
Among the other suggestions given by the state were increased Central Financial Assistance in the Solar Roof Top scheme, exploring the possibilities of Joint Venture in Solar Parks and Pump Storage Scheme.
Mondal also emphasised to review the financial support or subsidy given to SHP to the tune of Rs 7.5 crores per MW for a project of 1 to 25 MW of SHP which was stopped for sometime now which was agreed by the Union Minister to look into it very soon.
The power minister also pointed out about the feasibility of Pump Storage Projects (PSP) as Meghalaya is having huge potential and 4 PSP Projects were identified with the technical support of NTPC having capacity of about 3,100 MW but the only problem is how to fund such projects.
He requested the Union Power Minister to provide financial and technical assistance as this intervention will ease away the power crisis of the state.
Mondal was accompanied by Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Power, and Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Director, MNREDA and Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya.
Joram Beda, Director, MNREDA during the meeting raised concerns during the meeting regarding the challenges faced by Meghalaya in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program.
He emphasized the need for support and collaboration with the central government to overcome these challenges and accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the state.
Furthermore, Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary Power proposed the concept of floating solar panels as an innovative solution for Meghalaya. This technology can harness solar energy efficiently by utilizing water bodies in the state, thereby maximizing energy generation and land use.
The meeting organized by MNRE served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable and secure future for Meghalaya and the North -Eastern states.
The Minister-led delegation underscored the need for a rethinking of the central schemes for the state and the need for a customised approach suited to the particular needs of the state.