Telangana Targets 4000 MW within a Time frame of Four Months, The Role of Self Help Groups (SHG) in Telangana’s Ambitious 4000 MW Solar Power Plan.
Telangana has in place good solar power plans which will help the area in the generation of solar energy estimated to be about 4000 megawatts within a four month frame. This program which will be coordinated by the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TGREDCO) plans to change the lives of people in the region by improving farming practices, enhancing gender equality and enabling them to adopt green energy solutions.
Solar Energy in Agriculture: Plans for Being Self Sustaining
As per the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) scheme, Telangana is going to expand the reach of solar panels in every single farmer field. This step will help farmers to sell electricity and be less dependant for power.
Farmers are set to install solar plants alone or with the help of cooperatives, SHGs, or private companies. According to the estimates there will be a collective generation of 4000 MW worth of solar energy by March next year as these sorts of energy generation facilities come to agricultural lands.
Execution framework: How Trade and Grid Development Corporation of India Limited, TGREDCO
In establishing the fixed price for the solar plant generated electricity, TGREDCO has mentioned the role of the TGERC. TGREDCO has been given the responsibility of receiving applications from farmers who are willing to take part in the program. These applications will be processed in due course with the assistance of the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGNPDCL) and the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL). These DISCOMs also will provide appropriate sites for the solar plants and oversee the power transmission facilities.
Support for Farmers: Implementation of Financial and Operational Autonomy
Farmers who own 10 acres’ Land can install a solar power plant with a maximum size of 2 MW. The cost of installation of a 1 mega watt plant is approximately 5 crore rupees and it is expected that a bank loan can cover the costs. Farmers can collaborate with local bodies like Gram Panchayats, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) as well as Water Users Associations in the implementation of these initiatives.
For those who are unable to undertake the projects on their own, leasing possibilities exist. A farmer will have the option to lease his land to persons or organizations that are willing to pay on an annual basis for a solar plant ensuring that in every case farmers will have money paid straight to their accounts. TGREDCO shall take charge for identifying the solar power firms to enter into such partnerships.
The electricity generated will hence be sold to the Governments as well as private power companies, thus enabling the farmers to earn more income. This scheme is expected to improve the returns of agriculture and help in achieving the renewable energy targets of the state.
Indira Mahila Shakti Initiative: Empowering Women through Solar
In a first, the government of Telangana has thought of linking women’s empowerment with its own solar energy objectives. The core idea behind the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme is to make the members of women’s SHGs become entrepreneurs in renewable energy. This will increase the supply of solar energy while also extending much needed employment opportunities to women in rural areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted the need of educating rural SHG members on large solar farms. “For any significant transformation in the rural landscape, social and financial empowerment of women would be paramount,” he said in a meeting at Praja Bhavan a few days back.
The Potential in Women Empowerment Initiative
Policy on Us: Solar power units will be well taken care of because the women SHG members will be well trained and equipped with the necessary skills.
Land Contracts: Suitable sites will be identified and leased to SHG federations for the production of solar power.
Funding: Government is working with the banks on borrowing to SHGs as they have an impressive 99% loan repayment compliance records.
Community Inclusion: It also involves providing solar buses to the RTC so as to widen the business scope of the members of SHGs.
Many other officials from various other departments such as Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Energy etc. have also endorsed the vision. This effort reinforces the resolve of the Government to promote sustainable energy utilisation and improve the socioeconomic status of women in Telangana.
Rural Tele Communication and Development, a two side of a Coin: Telangana Government’s approach to Solar Energy
Telangana solar power initiative goes to another level. It is not solely about electricity generation but is a strategic framework for economic self-reliance, self-empowered community and energy justice. By engaging farmers and women SHGs, the state solves severe problems such as rural areas development, income disparity, unfavorable surroundings.
The goal of making 4,000 MW of solar power is daring and ambitious but thanks to the government’s sincere efforts, Telengana is set to be a greener and more empowered state by March.
