The chief minister outlined renewable energy targets, new steel projects in Gadchiroli and large-scale green infrastructure investments

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state will not only remain a leader in steel production but also play a central role in India’s Green Steel Mission, aimed at decarbonising the sector in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Speaking at the AIIFA Steelex 2025 conclave in Goregaon, Fadnavis said that by 2030, 58 per cent of Maharashtra’s energy mix will come from renewable sources. “By 2026, farmers will receive 16,000 MW of solar power, which will reduce subsidies and lower tariffs for industries every year for the next five years,” he said.

The chief minister also announced that Gadchiroli, once marked by insurgency, is poised to become India’s new steel city with projects worth Rs 80,000 crore already lined up. He added that the government is targeting plantation of five crore trees in the district, of which 40 lakh have already been planted. “We will create a new ecosystem for steel without harming water, land or forests. Maharashtra is also taking the lead in green hydrogen, ammonia, gas value chain and battery storage,” Fadnavis said.

The state has signed memoranda of understanding for 75,000 MW of pump storage projects, with 7,000 MW expected to become operational within two years. This, the chief minister said, will help provide round-the-clock green power and ensure grid stability.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, who was also present at the conclave, lauded Maharashtra’s efforts. He said the state had secured Rs 3,500 crore in central aid under the PM-Kusum scheme and approval for the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster. “This is not just an economic transition but a national duty to safeguard the planet for future generations,” Joshi said.

He added that India has expanded renewable energy capacity from 2.44 GW in 2014 to nearly 30 GW at present, making it the world’s third-largest producer of non-fossil energy. By 2030, the country aims to produce 30 crore tonne of steel, including at least 5 crore tonne of green steel for export.