By Abha Shukla
India’s electricity demand is rising rapidly. By 2030, driven by economic growth, industrialisation, and population pressure, the country’s power consumption is expected to touch unprecedented levels. In this context, Maharashtra’s approach stands out as a powerful example of how forward-thinking policy and long-term vision can turn a challenge into an opportunity.
As India’s largest industrial and power-consuming state, Maharashtra is expected to witness a 6.5% annual increase in power demand. That translates to a requirement of more than 280 billion units of electricity by 2030, with peak demand jumping from the current 29 GW to 45 GW — a scale comparable to that of major European nations.
To meet this challenge, Maharashtra has formulated a practical, future-ready energy transition plan. Its goal is clear: affordable electricity, clean energy, and sustainable growth.
Affordable power, stronger industry
At the heart of this transition is a strong push for 38 GW of renewable energy (16 GW distributed RE for agriculture) with storage (pump storage and distributed battery storage ), solar and wind hybrid energy, with tariff commitments as low as ₹2.54 per unit for solar energy. This is not just a clean energy initiative — it is also a cost-saving move. Lower production costs mean cheaper power for industries, which in turn enhances their global competitiveness. It is a smart economic strategy cloaked in environmental foresight.
The broader transition plan is expected to attract investments worth ₹3.3 lakh crore by 2030. Significantly, 75% of this investment will be within Maharashtra and will be largely driven by the private sector. This scale of capital infusion promises to reshape the energy ecosystem and, in turn, the economy.
Employment engine: 7 lakh jobs
The shift to clean energy is also a massive employment opportunity. It is estimated that nearly 7 lakh jobs will be created through this energy transformation — spanning engineering, infrastructure, maintenance, logistics, and rural energy services. For a state with an ambitious trillion-dollar economy vision, this jobs multiplier effect is crucial.
Rural empowerment through renewable access
Initiatives like MSKVY 2.0 are helping rural Maharashtra access stable solar energy, particularly for agriculture. Farmers benefit directly from assured daytime power and secondary income through energy-sharing models. This leads to improved rural livelihoods and helps bridge the urban-rural energy gap — a long-standing concern in India’s energy discourse.
Reducing production cost, building competitiveness
For India to remain competitive in the global energy and manufacturing markets, it must deliver power that is not just clean but also affordable and reliable. Maharashtra recognises this. By focusing on lower input costs through clean energy, the state is creating an environment where both MSMEs and large industries can thrive.
In addition, the state’s investments in transmission networks and energy storage infrastructure are aimed at reducing wastage and ensuring that every unit of generated renewable power is efficiently utilised. These steps are critical to making the grid stable, attracting private participation, and preventing the kind of power curtailment issues seen in some developed markets like Germany.
A blueprint for other states
As India accelerates its march towards energy independence and a net-zero future, Maharashtra’s model offers a pragmatic roadmap. It is not simply about adding solar or wind capacity, but about integrating energy with economy, employment, and environment in a cohesive manner.
The benefits are threefold: it helps meet India’s global climate commitments, boosts domestic manufacturing and service sectors, and strengthens social equity by expanding access to power.
To put it simply — Maharashtra has shown that with the right policies, targeted investments, and an inclusive approach, the future of energy in India can be bright, clean, and inclusive.
The time is now for other states to study, adapt, and scale this model. Electricity is no longer a utility alone — it is an enabler of growth, dignity, and global ambition.
(The writer is additional chief secretary, Maharashtra)
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