MMRCL’s Solar Expansion Faces Delay

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL)’s ambitious plan to expand its solar power capacity by 5 megawatts (MW) for the Nagpur Metro has been stalled for the past nine months, awaiting clearance from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

This delay has created a significant setback for Nagpur Metro, which aims to reduce operational costs and increase its reliance on renewable energy. Currently, Nagpur Metro consumes 9 MW of electricity per day and generates 1.6 MW through existing rooftop solar installations. The Metro plans to increase its installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity from 4.5 MW to 10 MW over the next 12 months, thereby meeting approximately 50% of its total power requirements through solar energy. The move is expected to yield substantial cost savings, as energy consumption represents a major portion of the Metro’s expenses.

A senior official from Nagpur Metro, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over MSEDCL’s prolonged delay in implementing the 5 MW net metering regulations set by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). “MSEDCL is obligated to execute the 5 MW net-metering regulation approved by MERC, but has not acted on the proposal since November 26, 2023,” the official stated. The MERC had revised its net metering cap on 1st November 2023, increasing it to either 5 MW or the consumer’s contracted demand or sanctioned load, whichever is lower.

Previously, the cap was set below 1 MW. This amendment, part of the latest Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating Systems) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2023, aims to promote wider adoption of rooftop solar power, particularly for commercial and industrial consumers. The senior official further noted that Nagpur Metro had submitted several written requests to both MSEDCL and MERC, urging swift implementation of the new regulations. “We have not yet received any communication from MSEDCL regarding the project’s procedures,” the official added.

However, a senior MSEDCL official, also requesting anonymity, stated that the department had only recently received Nagpur Metro’s letter concerning the expansion plan and claimed that it lacked specific procedural details required for project implementation. The proposed solar expansion project involves the installation of solar PV systems on the rooftops of all metro stations, depot buildings, and boundary walls. This initiative is part of the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme, with all solar panels to be sourced domestically. The MMRCL remains committed to using only Made-in-India solar panels for both current and future installations. Despite the delays, the Nagpur Metro is determined to push forward with its solar expansion plans to reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy self-sufficient. As regulatory bottlenecks persist, all eyes remain on MSEDCL and MERC to expedite approvals that will enable the city’s metro system to advance its green energy ambitions.