On Saturday, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd or MEIL, a prominent infrastructure company, announced the successful commissioning of five solar power plants in Maharashtra, boasting a combined capacity of 19 megawatts (MW). The inauguration of these plants was conducted virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant step toward enhancing renewable energy in the region.
In a statement, MEIL emphasized that the five solar plants, developed under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) initiative, are strategically located across Maharashtra. The plants are situated in Shambhaji Nagar (3 MW), Nanded (5 MW), Kolhapur (3 MW), Akola (3 MW), and Buldhana (5 MW), each contributing to the state’s sustainable energy goals.
The energy produced by these solar plants will not only ensure a reliable power supply to farmers, facilitating the irrigation of their fields, but it will also significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with electricity bills. By harnessing renewable energy, farmers can access uninterrupted power during the day for agricultural activities. Additionally, any surplus electricity generated will be fed back into the grid, contributing to the overall energy supply in Maharashtra.
MEIL further detailed its ambitious plans under the PM-KUSUM scheme, which includes the execution of a total of 404 advanced solar plants across nine districts of Maharashtra, with an impressive total capacity of 1,880 MW. M. Sridhar, the Chief Operating Officer of Renewable Energy at MEIL, highlighted the critical role these solar installations will play in improving the lives of farmers.
Historically, many farmers have faced difficulties accessing electricity for irrigation, often having to rely on power during nighttime hours. This reliance not only creates challenges in terms of convenience but also leads to significant water wastage, as pumps are frequently left running unintentionally. Moreover, the current system poses safety risks, as there have been instances where farmers have suffered injuries or even fatalities due to snake bites or electrical shocks while managing irrigation pumps.
The implementation of solar panels for irrigation, as part of the PM-KUSUM initiative, is expected to provide farmers with reliable daytime power, simplifying the irrigation process and reducing the risks associated with current practices. The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2019, aims to revolutionize agricultural practices by promoting solar energy adoption.
This initiative seeks to reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel pumps, thereby lowering their operational costs and increasing their income through the generation of surplus electricity that can be sold. The successful commissioning of these solar power plants signifies a promising step towards achieving sustainable energy solutions for the agricultural sector in Maharashtra, empowering farmers and contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) is a leading Indian infrastructure company established in 1989, specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction across various sectors. With a focus on sustainable development, MEIL operates in areas such as renewable energy, water management, transportation, and urban infrastructure. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and enhancing quality of life through infrastructure projects.
