To promote power generation through non-conventional sources, the Maharashtra government has plans to generate 14,400 MW power from the non-conventional sector in the next five years.

The State government is expected to announce its new Renewable Energy Policy on May 12, which is likely to give thrust to solar and wind energy.

PM’s target Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to generate 175 Giga Watt (Gw) power from conventional and non-conventional sectors. Of this, it has decided to produce 100 Gw from solar power sector. One Giga Watt is equal to 1,000 megawatts.

“In Maharashtra, there are several non-conventional power projects in operation with a total capacity of 6,155 MW. The State has set a target to generate 14,400 MW through non-conventional sector within next five years,” Bawankule said.

The new policy will promote all non-conventional methods for power generation, the Minister said. The State government had approved its previous solar policy in 2008, whose term ended in 2013.

Sources According to Bawankule, out of targeted 14,400 MW power generation, 7,500 MW will be produced through solar and 5,000 MW through windmill. Bagasse in sugar mills will produce 1,000 MW while 400 MW will be produced by small hydropower projects. Wastage from agriculture will produce 300 MW.

The land, to be acquired for the windmill project, will obtain the status of non-agriculture land. The windmill project will be exempt from the need for NOC from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

The policy proposes to exempt sugar mills from electricity charges if they consumed the power generated from bagasse.

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