Shillong, June 2: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated a 50 KW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, marking another significant step towards promoting renewable energy adoption and sustainable development in the State.
Implemented by the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA), the project is among the largest solar power installations in an educational institution in Meghalaya. The 50 KW system, valued at approximately ₹50 lakh, is equipped with battery backup facilities and is expected to contribute significantly towards meeting the institution’s energy requirements through clean and renewable energy.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma underscored the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for Meghalaya.
“Renewable energy is no longer just an idea—it is the need of the hour,” he said, noting that the growing impact of climate change on the environment, livelihoods and everyday life requires governments and communities to actively pursue every available source of clean energy.
Describing the inauguration as a reflection of the State Government’s commitment to renewable energy, the Chief Minister emphasized that successful development initiatives require more than the adoption of technology alone.
“While technologies exist for us to solve many problems, technology by itself is not enough. What matters is whether we are able to convert that technology into a solution,” he said.
Drawing attention to lessons from earlier renewable energy projects, he observed that many initiatives had focused solely on installing solar panels without creating a complete and sustainable system. As a result, several installations failed to deliver the reliability and power backup that communities required.
The Chief Minister said the CM Solar Mission was designed differently by focusing on end-to-end solutions rather than standalone installations. Alongside solar panels, institutions are being provided with inverters and battery backup systems that store energy for use during periods of low sunlight or power disruptions.
Highlighting the scale of the initiative, he informed that more than 1.5 MW of solar capacity has already been installed in nearly 700 schools across Meghalaya under the CM Solar Mission, while implementation in another 1,300 schools will commence shortly.
Referring to the newly inaugurated project at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, the Chief Minister said the institution has been provided with a 50 KW solar system equipped with substantial battery backup capacity.
“Even when there is no sunlight, the stored energy can provide backup for several days. That means if it rains continuously for two or three days, the school can still rely on the stored power,” he said.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating that the solar installation is expected to save the school approximately 6,000 units of electricity every month, translating into savings of nearly ₹40,000 per month or close to ₹5 lakh annually.
He also announced plans to integrate such systems with net metering facilities, enabling excess electricity generated during weekends, holidays and vacation periods to be fed back into the power grid.
“Some village, some house, some poor family will benefit from the power generated right here in this school,” he said, adding that if 2,000 schools across Meghalaya participate in the initiative, hundreds of households could benefit from clean energy generated by educational institutions.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Government of Meghalaya will soon launch a major state-level technology and innovation competition aimed at encouraging students, innovators and young entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to challenges in sectors such as energy, waste management, water supply, healthcare and agriculture.
“The government will support the best ideas. We will not just reward the winners. We will fund their startups, help them implement their solutions, and support them in growing their businesses,” he said.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to innovation, he added, “I am talking about investing crores of rupees in these ideas.”
The Chief Minister said the programme would focus on identifying solutions to real-world challenges while encouraging young innovators to adapt available technologies to local needs and conditions. “I want innovation to become a culture in Meghalaya,” he said.
He further extended support to strengthen the institution’s sports programmes and encouraged the school management to communicate any future requirements.
Addressing the students, he urged them to remain focused, grounded and grateful for the opportunities available to them. He encouraged them to uphold values, cherish family and friendships, and persevere through challenges and setbacks.
Reflecting on his own experiences, he reminded students that failures and difficulties are a natural part of life and should never define one’s future.
In his special address, Dr. Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Power Department, highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy in ensuring energy security and sustainable development.
Referring to global developments and their impact on energy markets, Dr. Beda noted that recent international crises have reinforced the need to reduce dependence on conventional sources of energy and accelerate the transition towards renewable alternatives. He said both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya have therefore placed significant emphasis on renewable energy development.
He highlighted Meghalaya’s vast renewable energy potential, estimated at nearly 14.6 gigawatts, and stated that while the state has harnessed a significant portion of this capacity through hydropower projects, solar energy is emerging as a critical component of the state’s clean energy strategy.
“Projects such as this one are a true reflection of our commitment to transforming potential into reality. Through the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, we are working to bring clean energy to every classroom and every community,” he said, adding that nearly 2,000 government schools across Meghalaya have been identified for phased installation of solar energy systems.
He further stated that off-grid solar inverter systems have been provided to numerous households in remote areas across several districts, helping improve access to reliable electricity while promoting sustainable development.
Earlier, the programme commenced with welcome remarks by Sr. Sonia Chacko, Principal of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, who expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya and the Power Department for supporting the installation of the solar power project at the school.
Describing the inauguration as a moment of great pride for the institution, she said the project marked a significant milestone in the school’s journey towards sustainable development and responsible energy use.
Highlighting the school’s commitment to holistic education, Sr. Sonia said education must not only impart knowledge but also cultivate responsibility towards society and the environment. She noted that with the expansion of smart classrooms, science laboratories, computer facilities and digital infrastructure, the need for sustainable energy solutions had become increasingly important.
She stated that the solar power project was conceived as a practical and responsible step towards reducing dependence on conventional sources of energy, promoting environmentally responsible practices and creating a more sustainable learning environment for students.
Beyond its practical benefits, she said, the initiative symbolizes the institution’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and service to society.
“We hope it will inspire our students to become responsible citizens who embrace innovation while caring for the planet,” she added.
Following the programme, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the 50 KW Solar PV Plant through a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the terrace of the school where the installation has been set up. He also interacted with school authorities, students and officials and inspected the facility.
The inauguration marks another milestone in Meghalaya’s efforts to promote renewable energy and strengthen the transition towards clean and sustainable sources of power. The project is expected to serve not only as an energy-efficient solution for the institution but also as a demonstration of the practical benefits of solar energy for students and the wider community.
Students of the school presented a choir performance and a drill display, while a documentary highlighting renewable energy initiatives and the significance of solar energy adoption was also screened during the programme.
