Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized a new energy revolution in Chhattisgarh, where solar power consumers are not just self-reliant but are now donating surplus electricity to the grid. Speaking at the Solar Energy Awareness and Promotion Campaign held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the CM praised the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme as a transformative step towards clean energy and self-sustaining households.
Online Subsidy Transfer to Solar Consumers
In a landmark move, the Chief Minister transferred Rs. 1.85 crore in state subsidy to 618 solar energy consumers online, with each receiving Rs. 30,000. He also flagged off the Surya Rath, a mobile awareness unit to spread knowledge about solar energy across the state.
Commitment to Net-Zero Carbon by 2070
Mr. Sai reiterated Chhattisgarh’s dedication to achieving the national net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070, as set by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He said the state is progressing from reducing electricity bills to providing electricity for free through solar schemes, driven by public awareness and strong policy support.
PM Kusum Yojana and Free Electricity for Farmers
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana, award letters were handed out to beneficiaries producing their own solar power. Many are not only generating electricity for personal use but also selling excess power back to the grid, significantly reducing their power costs and boosting rural income.
Rapid Growth in Power Generation Capacity
Mr. Sai highlighted that power generation capacity in Chhattisgarh has surged from 1,400 MW in 2000 to 30,000 MW today, making the state a major power supplier to neighboring regions. With MoUs worth Rs. 3.5 lakh crore signed under the new industrial policy, Chhattisgarh is poised to become a national energy leader.
Handbook on Agrivoltaics and Grid Stability Released
The CM released two important publications during the event—Agrivoltaics Performer Handbook and a report on The Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy on Grid Stability. These resources aim to support farmers and energy planners in optimizing dual-use land for farming and power generation.
Youth Participation and Industry Recognition
Class 12 student Mr. Pratham Soni from Rajnandgaon spoke on the benefits of solar energy, representing youth engagement in the clean energy movement. Top-performing vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme were also felicitated for their contributions to solar expansion in the state.
Bureaucratic and Political Leadership Drives Change
Key figures present at the event included MLAs Mr. Motilal Sahu and Mr. Purandar Mishra, CREDA Chairman Mr. Bhupendra Savnani, Energy Department Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, CREDA CEO Mr. Rajesh Rana, and Indian Solar Energy Federation President Mr. Suman Kumar—underscoring the state’s coordinated effort to lead in renewable energy adoption.
