Cabinet Approves Land to IISER for Renewable Energy Research

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved 21.5 hectares of land in Bhopal for the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) to establish a Solar and Renewable Energy Research Center. With an estimated investment of Rs 550 crore, funded by CSR contributions from companies like GAIL India, Coal India, and Indian Oil, the center will focus on advancing solar, wind, and renewable energy technologies. The project will involve multiple IISER departments and introduce an MTech program in Renewable Energy. Construction will take two years, marking the first solar research center of its kind in the state.

Additionally, the state has expanded the manufacturing area for renewable energy equipment in Narmadapuram by 214.42 acres, supporting green energy production. The central government has set research goals for the center, including improving energy efficiency, reducing distribution losses, and advancing green hydrogen production. Madhya Pradesh currently generates 7,000 MW of solar power, with plans to increase this by 8,000 MW, positioning the state as a renewable energy leader.