SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma unveiled the “Chief Minister’s Solar Mission” at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, on August 11. This pioneering initiative, inaugurated in the presence of Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal and MNREDA Chairman Rupert Momin, aims to harness renewable energy while benefiting citizens at all levels of society.
The CM Solar Mission marks a bold stride towards renewable energy adoption, targeting the most vulnerable sections of society as beneficiaries. Informing about the mission’s dual focus – catering to the poorest while offering varied options for different segments, Sangma said that this initiative prioritises affordability by offering substantial subsidies and facilitating bank financing to minimise financial burdens on beneficiaries.
“Our commitment to green and clean energy transformation will be evident through this flagship Renewable Energy intervention,” Chief Minister Sangma affirmed. The scheme envisages government subsidies ranging from 70% for individual households to 50% for schools, hospitals, hotels, and commercial entities.
He shared that Meghalaya will allocate an initial investment of ₹100 crore annually to the solar mission, with plans to attract more partners, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and global organizations.
The paradigm shift represented by the CM Solar Mission merges cutting-edge technology with innovative financing models that entails beneficiaries contributing just 10% of the equipment cost at the outset.
“Our approach is multi-faceted and dynamic,” Sangma noted, highlighting the mission’s comprehensive focus on real-world problem-solving.
Central to the strategy is the integration of hybrid solar inverter technology, which Sangma believes will be a game-changer in attaining a sustainable future. The technology seamlessly switches between conventional power and solar energy, ensuring optimal charging even on cloudy days. Notably, higher capacity systems could potentially make homes net power generators, bolstering the state’s energy capacity.
The CM Solar Mission, a pivotal step in Meghalaya’s energy evolution, envisions transforming 30-40% of households into independent power producers. Educational institutions and larger establishments stand to gain significantly. Sangma also heralded the establishment of LED assembly units across the state, fostering local production, employment, and self-reliance.
“This initiative goes beyond power deficits; it’s a step towards resilience, independence, and green progress for Meghalaya,” Sangma concluded.
