Maharashtra to use Hydrogen energy to generate power: Energy Minister Dr. Nitin Raut
While the Maharashtra government is supporting use of electric vehicle for mobility, the government is now all set to use Hydrogen energy as alternative fuel to generate power. This was announced by State’s Energy Minister Dr. Nitin Raut today at “Alternative Fuel Conclave” held at Pune.
He also announced Energy department’s plan to expand base of charging stations across the state. He also hinted that state government will soon amend the existing Renewable Energy Policy 2020 and will give more incentives to stakeholders.
“We are shifting our focus of generation of electricity from conventional fuel to Hydrogen energy. Very soon, our State will be featured as pioneer in the use of Hydrogen energy,” Dr. Raut announced.
More EV Charging stations soon
Maharashtra government has appointed MSEDCL under Energy department as nodal agency for setting up of EV Charging stations. While facilitating private parties to set up such stations, Energy department
“In order to facilitate the increased use of green energy in the transport sector, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company is proactively taking initiative to establish the EV charging stations. Even as a part of asset monetization, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company have decided to form JV with Petrol companies to set up EV charging stations in the premises of petrol pumps. If this model is succeeded, then next step would be to increase the number of charging stations in the schools and colleges, so that students would have easy access for charging,” Dr. Raut announced.
He adds, “While taking initiatives, care has been taken to keep the electricity charges quite reasonable i.e. Rs. 5.50 per unit in day time use. However, during night from 10 PM to morning 6 AM the rate will be Rs 4.50 per unit. This shows our sincere commitment to reduce the carbon footprints.”
RE Policy may be amended soon
Recently GoM has formulated Renewable Energy Policy 2020 in which a target of 17360 MW RE power has been set up. But as of now the response is not encouraging due to lack of incentives and therefore RE Policy 2020 is under amendment. In the context I would request GoM must provide requisite support in the form of concession in Electricity Duty and other facilities to the investors so that the State of Maharashtra would top in the country in enhancing the use of green and clean energy. This target would be completed by 2025 reducing carbon footprints. The Telangana State, Andhra Pradesh have realized to enhance the use of RE power on large scale. To enable this, both the states have made adequate budgetary provision.
Conclave at Nagpur
While addressing this conclave, Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray announced that a conclave focussed on “Green Energy” will be organised at Nagpur soon. Welcoming this announcement,Dr. Raut suggested to hold the conclave on Maharashtra Day in Nagpur.
