Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan recently highlighted the importance of green and renewable energy and the state’s pivotal role in this area.
The Governor shared his views last week while inaugurating the 5th edition of the World Trade Expo organised by the World Trade Centre Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) at World Trade Centre Mumbai.
The theme of the Expo was ‘Innovation for Sustainability with Special Focus on Green and Renewable Energy.’
The chairman of World Trade Centre Mumbai and chairman of All India Association of Industries, Vijay Kalantri, former secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Government of India, Ajay Shankar, vice chairman of WTC Mumbai Capt Somesh Batra, executive director Rupa Naik, and consuls and trade representatives of various countries were present at the event.
While commending the World Trade Centre Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries for their efforts in organising this significant Trade Expo, the Governor particularly lauded this year’s theme, ‘Innovation for Sustainability with a Special Focus on Green and Renewable Energy,’ for its timely relevance.
Stressing the importance of green and renewable energy, the Governor stated it cannot be overstated “as we move toward a future defined by our commitment to sustainable growth. It is an environmental concern and a critical element of India’s Energy Security Vision and its journey toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.”
Proud of Maharashtra’s achievements
As the largest economy and one of India’s leading industrial states, Maharashtra plays a pivotal role in this national mission. He said the state ranks 2nd in installed electricity capacity, accounting for 10.4% of the national total.
“We are proud to lead in areas like solar energy, electric vehicles, and bioenergy, and we remain committed to fostering innovation and investment in renewable energy.”
Recounting his experience, he said, “Since taking charge as the Governor of Maharashtra, I have travelled extensively in almost two-thirds of the District. I am amazed by Maharashtra’s potential for growth and development. Our rural areas also hold growth potential. Even previously naxal-affected areas like Gadchiroli hold the promise of industrial growth and development.”
He said that this was indeed a landmark year for Maharashtra’s green energy sector, adding, “I was pleased to know that ‘Manyachi Wadi’ village in Satara recently became the first ‘Solar Village’ of the state, with 100% of its electricity supplied through solar power.”
Governor Radhakrishnan said that this achievement set a model for the future. Maharashtra’s solar power capacity currently stands at 5,080 MW, and under the Unconventional Energy Generation Policy of 2020, the state aimed to increase this to 12,930 MW by 2025.
First State to announce green hydrogen policy
He further informed that another exciting frontier was green hydrogen. “Last year, Maharashtra became the first state in the country to announce a Green Hydrogen Policy, with a target to produce 500 kilotonnes of green hydrogen annually.”
The governor said this policy aims to promote industrial decarbonisation, enhance energy security, and position Maharashtra as a leader in the export of green hydrogen.
“I am confident that Maharashtra will be instrumental in achieving India’s national target of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030 under the Green Hydrogen Mission.”
Lead in the electric vehicle sector
Maharashtra is again leading the way in the electric vehicle sector. Governor Radhakrishnan said, “Our State Electric Vehicle Policy prioritises the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles by creating a robust network of charging stations and infrastructure.”
He stressed, “The policy aims for EVs to make up 10% of all vehicle registrations by 2025, and collaborations with international partners from countries like Australia and Germany are underway to bolster clean power generation further.”
He said Maharashtra’s Renewable Energy Policy is designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels through various subsidies and incentives, from solar panels to solar inverters for textile units.
The governor said Maharashtra’s commitment to creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, sustainability, and clean energy is unwavering. “In my capacity as the Chancellor of universities in Maharashtra, I will call upon the industry to work closely with the Universities in the State in the areas of research, development and skill development.”
“I wish and hope that all the participating countries at this Expo will explore the numerous opportunities our state offers in renewable energy and contribute to our collective journey toward a green and sustainable future,” he concluded.
India’s clean energy push
Significantly, after an event on Tuesday in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to clean energy and underscored the nation’s major and crucial achievements in this direction in his post on X. The Prime Minister stressed the need for sustainable practices globally in present circumstances.
PM Modi wrote in a post on X: “Clean energy is the need of the hour. Our commitment to a better tomorrow is paramount and is reflected in our work.”
