Avaada Energy Secures LoA to Set up 1,138 MW Decentralized Agricultural Solar PV Projects in Maharashtra

 

Mumbai: In a significant stride towards sustainable rural development and energy security, “Avaada Energy”, the renewable energy arm of ‘Avaada Group’, has been granted the 'Letter of Award' (LoA) by ‘MSEB Solar Agro Power Limited’ (MSAPL), a state-owned enterprise of the Government of Maharashtra. This LoA mandates ‘Avaada Energy’ to develop and operate a 1,138 MW capacity through decentralized agricultural solar PV power projects across Maharashtra by 2025.

Aligned with the ambitious “Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0” (MSKVY 2.0), also known as ‘Mission 2025’, the initiative aims to transform agricultural energy supply with a 30% feeder solarisation target by 2025. The ceremony acknowledging this initiative was graced by the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reflecting the state's commitment to improving the quality of life for its agricultural community and enhancing the competitiveness of its industrial sector.

With Maharashtra hosting approximately 29 million consumers, including 4.5 million agriculture consumers consuming 22% of the electricity, the demand for reliable daytime power supply has been a persistent challenge. The introduction of decentralized Agriculture Solar PV projects addresses this demand, ensuring farmers receive uninterrupted daytime power, thereby mitigating the inconvenience caused by previous rotational supply schemes.

The Agriculture Solar PV Projects, spanning 192 locations in 10 districts, entail a greenfield investment of INR 50 billion and are projected to generate around 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, significantly contributing to local and regional economic upliftment.

Shri Devendra Fadnavis underscored the significance of the 'MSKVY 2.0' scheme in rural advancement and sustainable energy solutions, aiming to provide farmers with dependable energy sources for irrigation, fostering inclusive growth and economic prosperity in rural Maharashtra.

Shri Vineet Mittal, Chairperson of Avaada Group, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its commitment to sustainable growth and the creation of employment opportunities. The initiative, under the broader umbrella of the 'PM-KUSUM Yojana', seeks to meet farmers' daytime electricity requirements for irrigation, streamline the load curve, minimize carbon emissions, and enhance the state's power distribution infrastructure.