42 MW solar power illuminates 128 Jharkhand villages

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand in a significant stride towards renewable energy, has been electrifying remote villages through off-grid solar power plants, where conventional electricity supply was deemed impossible due to challenging geographical conditions. Over the past four years, 128 villages have embraced solar energy, illuminating 10,016 households and providing electricity to schools, chaupals, and rural streets.

The Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA), working on the data provided by Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam, spearheaded the initiative. Each off-grid solar plant was designed with a capacity of 500 kilowatts, tailored to meet the requirements of every household in the targeted villages. The electricity produced is distributed via dedicated networks, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Villages in districts such as Latehar, Ranchi, Simdega, Sahibganj, Chatra, Dumka, and Garhwa now benefit from a total capacity of 42 MW generated by these plants. Additionally, three LED lights have been installed in each household, while village roads and lanes have been lit with streetlights. Schools and community spaces like chaupals have also been electrified.

The initiative comes at an average cost of Rs 1 crore per village, with a total expenditure of Rs 130 crore provided as grants by the state government. A village-level committee has been formed in each area to oversee the functioning and maintenance of the solar plants. In case of faults, the agency notifies JREDA for prompt repairs.

“This program has transformed lives in remote areas by ensuring sustainable and reliable electricity,” said a JREDA official. With these efforts, the state continues to lead in leveraging solar energy for rural development.