In a momentous leap towards embracing renewable energy and addressing power shortages, Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has unveiled the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission. This groundbreaking endeavor aims to herald a new era of environmentally conscious progress for the northeastern hilly region.
This transformative mission, fortified by a government investment of Rs 500 crore spanning the next five years, holds the promise of revolutionizing the state’s energy framework and contributing substantially to its journey of sustainable advancement.
To fuel the ignition of the solar mission, the state administration has allocated an annual budget of Rs 100 crore. Furthermore, strategic measures are underway to attract a diverse consortium of funding partners, including those engaged in corporate social responsibility, carbon credit initiatives, and global organizations that share the commitment to sustainable energy futures.
The blueprint for this ambitious expansion strategy incorporates the implementation of net metering, a mechanism that will empower higher-capacity hybrid solar units to inject surplus energy into both local and national grids. In a bid to encourage widespread participation, the subsidy framework has been meticulously crafted, rendering a 70% subsidy for individual households and a 50% subsidy for schools, hospitals, hotels, and commercial establishments.
Beyond the horizon of the solar mission, Chief Minister Sangma has unveiled plans to establish LED assembly units across the state. This visionary move not only presents employment prospects for the youth but also propels the path towards self-sufficiency.
Parallel discussions are also underway with battery manufacturers, aiming to establish battery production and maintenance facilities within the boundaries of Meghalaya. These concerted actions further fortify the state’s overarching objective of attaining energy sustainability while nurturing local economic prosperity.
Meghalaya’s current energy generation predominantly hinges on hydel power derived from river sources. Yet, the inherent dependence on rainfall patterns makes hydel generation susceptible to fluctuations, resulting in shortfalls during dry spells. With an installed hydel power capacity of 378.7 MW and a peak demand surpassing 500 MW, the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission aspires to bridge this gap and establish a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.