Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has unveiled an ambitious renewable energy roadmap aimed at generating 32MW of green power as part of its Net Zero 2047 vision, a move expected to significantly reduce its annual electricity expenditure of nearly Rs 130 crore while advancing the city’s sustainability goals.The civic body has already commissioned an 11.7MW canal-top solar power project and is now expanding its renewable energy portfolio with rooftop solar installations, solar trees equipped with EV charging and Wi-Fi facilities, and a proposed wind power project in Saurashtra.Municipal commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said the projects are central to VMC’s long-term strategy of building a developed, energy-efficient and carbon-neutral city.“We have a vision for 2047, with a strong focus on clean and green energy. To realise that, we plan to generate around 32 MW of green energy for VMC,” Mahesh Babu told TOI.The corporation’s flagship canal-top solar project, built over the Narmada canal network at an estimated cost of Rs 82 crore, has already become operational. According to VMC’s Futuristic Planning Cell, the project generates nearly 16,400MWh of electricity annually.Officials said the canal-top model delivers multiple environmental benefits. Besides producing renewable energy, it is expected to save nearly 210 million litres of water every year by reducing evaporation from the canal surface while eliminating the need for about 23 acres of land that would otherwise be required for a conventional solar park.VMC is also expanding rooftop solar installations on municipal buildings and selected residential societies under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The 3MW rooftop programme, estimated to cost Rs 24 crore, is expected to generate around 4,200MWh of electricity annually.“Our aim is to reduce the amount VMC pays as electricity bills to distribution companies and achieve the target of net zero,” Mahesh Babu said.The civic body is simultaneously promoting solar trees in gardens and public spaces. Around 100 to 120 such installations are planned, with each designed to provide multiple public amenities, including EV charging points, LED lighting and Wi-Fi connectivity, besides generating clean electricity.Wind energy is the next major component of VMC’s renewable energy strategy. The corporation has initiated work on a wind power project and is exploring suitable sites in Bhavnagar and Amreli districts.“We have already identified potential players and are planning wind power projects in areas like Mahuva. The project is ready, and only land finalisation is underway,” the commissioner said.A pre-feasibility study by Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd has been completed, with the project expected to move to the detailed project report, tendering and EPC execution stage during 2026-27.Overall, VMC plans to invest around Rs 441 crore across solar and wind projects, creating an estimated 85,000 MWh of annual clean energy while preventing nearly 57,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Officials said the initiatives are aligned with the corporation’s Net Zero by 2047 vision and India’s broader renewable energy targets.
