MP’s Neemuch 15 MW Wind, 21 MW Solar Project Withdrawn; Uncertainty Over Other Projects

It was only a week ago that the mayor-in-council of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), Malti Rai had given the green signal to a 15 MW wind power and a solar energy project with 21 MW of capacity slated for establishment in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. The proposal for the projects was withdrawn before it could be placed before the BMC, which consists of 85 members.

Along with the two said projects, uncertainty also looms over two other solar projects by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. These are worth 10 MW capacity.

The reason that was cited behind the withdrawal of these projects was that they have been sent to the Department of Renewable Energy for review. Further, it was said that they will be taken up for discussion in the subsequent meeting of the municipal council. Previously, in the BMC council meeting, the wind power generation project had been a subject of controversy, vehemently opposed by the Congress.

Reportedly, the power to be generated from the project is to be injected into a DISCOM or the substation of MPPTCL (Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation) at 33 kV level.

The project is said to provide power to the BMC water pumping stations in Bhopal. For the purpose of power distribution, MPPTCL lines are to be employed. The operation and maintenance of the 15 MW wind project is for a period of 25 years. BMC is looking to employ the power generated from the project for captive purposes for several pumping stations across Bhopal.

It may be noted that Madhya Pradesh is fast emerging as a renewable hotspot in India. It was recently revealed that the state will house three floating solar projects that will see investment worth INR 7,500 crore. The three floating solar plants are in addition to the 600 MW floating solar project already being developed at Omkareshwar Dam in Khandwa district.