Mumbai: In order to reduce the dependence of the state on conventional energy for the conservation of the planet and the environment, more emphasis will be laid on the production of non-conventional energy based on the generating solar energy in the Maharashtra state. This came ahead in the discussion meeting with Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut who remarks at an e-meeting of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai on Friday.

Raut interacted with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce through a video conference with the Ministry to implement the large-scale solar power projects in the Maharashtra state.

The state energy minister Dr Nitin Raut on Friday has directed the state energy department to set up a high-level committee headed by the chief energy secretary to take the lead in the renewable energy project sector and attract investors and decide on new solar energy policy.

The States like Gujarat and Rajasthan models will be studied to decide this policy. A proposal will be prepared and submitted to the government on how to implement solar energy projects on wasteland in the state to be utilized for such purpose, on existing wastelands of the government and energy companies as well as on private land can project must be kick-started. A single window system will be implemented to meet the requirements.

Under the green scheme, private investors will be encouraged to set up solar power projects by purchasing waste land from the government and the work will be completed through a single-window process to complete the project expeditiously.

Sonia Barbi of the French Consulate in Mumbai and Thomas Meissett, Atomic Energy Adviser, spoke via video conference. Shaila A, President and Managing Director of Mahanirmiti and Dinesh Waghmare, Chairman and Managing Director of Mahatrans were present along with the Energy Minister.