M’laya’s solar power progress pales compared to other states

SHILLONG, April 14: Meghalaya has installed 11,156 solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems as of March 31, 2024, according to the latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
While this marks progress in making renewable energy accessible in remote and hilly terrain, it pales in comparison to states like Uttar Pradesh (441,000+ installations), Maharashtra (over 939,000) and even smaller states like Goa (4,245), which has managed more efficient deployment despite lesser geographic challenges.
Meghalaya’s tally includes 5,800 solar lanterns, 14,874 home lighting systems, and 2,004 street lighting units, but still not enough to meet the growing energy needs of its scattered rural population.
The state also has 101 solar power plants, with a modest installed capacity of around 70 kWp, far behind Rajasthan’s 30,449 kWp or even Mizoram’s 3,895 kWp.
The difficult terrain, lack of local manufacturing, gaps in last-mile connectivity, and limited awareness at the grassroots level are some of the reasons behind it.
Interestingly, neighbouring states like Mizoram and Nagaland with similar topography and logistical hurdles have fared better in certain areas, raising questions about Meghalaya’s execution and planning.