Shillong: Meghalaya highlighted various challenges and opportunities in promoting renewable energy in the state, and apprised the Ministry of Power on the feasibility of Pump Storage Projects (PSPs) and financial support for Small Hydro Projects (SHPs) at Rs 7.5 crore per mega watt which has been stopped now.
This was highlighted by Meghalaya power minister, AT Mondal during the meeting organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in New Delhi.
Chaired by the Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy, R K Singh the meeting discussed the challenges and opportunities in promoting renewable energy in the North-Eastern states. It was aimed at fostering sustainable energy solutions in the region.
The Meghalaya 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.
In his speech, Mondal highlighted the progress made in renewable energy sector, challenges faced by the state and various initiatives undertaken by the Meghalaya government 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 Chief Minister has been launched by the Meghalaya government which is set to revolutionize energy access in the state.
The Meghalaya government has successfully implemented the 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,” Mondal said.
Mondal also emphasised the need to review the financial support or subsidy given to small hydro project (SHP) to the tune of Rs. 7.5 crore per mega watt for a project of 1 to 25 MW which was stopped for sometimes now, adding that it was agreed by the Union Minister to look into it very soon.
On the feasibility of Pump Storage Project (PSP) in Meghalaya, Mondal said that the state is having huge potential and four PSPs were identified with the technical support of the NTPC with a capacity of about 3,100 MW, but the only problem is how to fund such project.
“I request the Union Power Minister to provide financial and technical assistance as this intervention will ease away the power crisis of the state,” the Meghalaya Power Minister said.
Meghalaya Commissioner and Secretary (Power), Sanjay Goyal 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,” Goyal said.
Director of MNREDA, Zoram Beda also 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.
Among other suggestions given by Meghalaya were increase in Central Financial Assistance for the Solar Roof Top scheme, explore the possibilities of Joint Venture in Solar Parks and Pump Storage Scheme.
The meeting organized by the 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.
