Jalud 60 MW Solar Plant Inaugurated, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Calls It National Milestone

The 60 MW Jalud Solar Power Plant, built at a cost of INR 271 crore in Khargone, was inaugurated with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav calling it a national achievement, highlighting the growing contribution of green energy in power generation and noting that Madhya Pradesh is credited with establishing the country’s first solar plant developed through public participation.

Built near Maheshwar, the project is designed to supply clean power to the Indore Municipal Corporation while contributing to emissions reduction. The Chief Minister noted that the plant reflects a broader shift toward sustainable power generation across the country.

The project stands out for being developed through a public participation model using Green Bonds, making it the first such initiative in India. Citizens were allowed to invest in bonds worth INR 1 lakh each, earning returns of around 8 percent over 20 years, with flexibility to trade them if required. The initiative has been positioned as a new template for financing renewable energy projects.

The foundation stone for the plant was laid in 2023 by Narendra Modi, and the project has received support from the central government. Officials said the investment is expected to be recovered within a decade, after which it will generate long-term returns.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasised that Madhya Pradesh has significantly improved its power infrastructure, moving from frequent shortages to becoming a contributor to national energy needs. He added that electricity generated in the state is also used for metro operations in Delhi.

Highlighting innovation, he also pointed to initiatives such as the Vedic Clock project developed with support from the state’s science and technology department. The clock has been installed in Ujjain and at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, gaining wider recognition.

Local leaders, including MP Shankar Lalwani and Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, said that the project marks a major step in positioning India as a global hub for green energy while strengthening Indore’s sustainability efforts.