Maharashtra to launch integrated policy for renewable sector

State ropes in experts from various sectors to give inputs to team in-charge of policy draft

In order to reduce the state's carbon footprint and give a boost to the renewable energy sector, Maharashtra government has decided to come up with an 'Integrated Policy for Renewable Sector' in the New Year.

The state government has roped in experts from various sectors to give their inputs to the team in-charge of making the draft of the policy.

"Our state has never had a definite policy for the renewable energy sector. Though we, to some extent, derive power from solar and wind energy, the sector remains unstable in the absence of a policy. This needs to be changed," state Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told PTI.

"For compiling a policy draft, we have brought in experts from various sectors and sought their participation in the making of the new policy. Nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, Prakash Godbole from finance sector and Arvind Karandikar, who has in-depth knowledge of global solar industry, are some of the people who will be included in the committee," he said.

All the special invitees have given their consent to be on the panel, he said.

"We have also requested the Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh state governments to assist us as their policies on renewable energy sector are considered one of the best in the country," Bawankule said.

The state energy department will frame the policy with the technical support of the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), that works towards promoting and developing non-conventional and renewable sources of energy.

The new policy will include ways to generate power from renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas, bagasse and co-generation, he said.

"We have decided to make the draft ready by January 15. Suggestions will then be taken till January 30 from organisations and the public who wish to give us inputs. Thereafter, we expect the Cabinet nod before February 15," he said.

"The policy will stress on both grid connected and off-grid power supply. Grid connected power supply is where power that is generated will be connected to the power station, from where it can be transmitted.

"Off-grid power means that the energy generated will be used for self-use purposes like housing societies, government offices, etc. The solar power generated by installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings is also a kind of off-grid power," Bawankule said.