Patna: Bihar has achieved a significant milestone in feeder-level solarisation under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. So far, 13 solar power plants with a total capacity of 36.261MW have been successfully synchronised with power substations across the state. A total of 9,449 farmers are benefiting through the agricultural feeders connected to these plants, an official said on Saturday.With this achievement, Bihar has emerged as the leading state in eastern India in feeder-level solarisation.Subsidies provided by the Centre and state govt have played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of feeder-level solarisation. Under the scheme, the Union govt provides a subsidy of Rs 1.05 crore per MW for the installation of solar power plants, while the state govt provides Rs 45 lakh per MW. Thus, a total subsidy of Rs 1.50 crore per MW is available, encouraging the establishment of solar energy projects. This support has accelerated feeder-level solarisation across the state and helped Bihar emerge as a leading state in eastern India.Just five days ago, a 5.155MW solar power plant was successfully synchronised with the grid and commissioned at Shambhuganj Power Sub-Station (PSS) in Banka district. “The plant will benefit 2,007 farmers connected to the Shambhuganj Power Sub-Station by providing access to green energy,” an official of Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) told TOI.The state’s energy secretary Ajay Yadav said feeder-level solarisation under the PM-KUSUM scheme was promoting the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. It would help increase the share of renewable energy in electricity supply, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and strengthen the power supply system for agricultural feeders. The initiative is an important step towards expanding clean energy across the state while ensuring that farmers benefit from green energy.He said 13 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 36.261MW had so far been connected to the grid, benefiting 9,449 farmers. Yadav, who is also the chairperson-cum-managing director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), further said the initiative would help strengthen electricity supply to agricultural feeders. Efforts would continue to further strengthen the power system through the integration of renewable energy and modern technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).The state’s energy minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal said providing affordable, accessible and clean energy to farmers in Bihar was one of the top priorities of the state govt. The PM-KUSUM scheme is promoting the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. The state govt is committed to the development of renewable energy and making the state’s power supply system stronger and more reliable.
