The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is planning to set up a floating solar power project on the Pavana River. The primary objective of this project is to generate electricity and reduce the civic body's electricity expenses, Punekar News reported. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared for this initiative, and the project is likely to be part of the 2026-27 budget.
In the financial year 2025-26, the civic body paid ₹158 crore to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for electricity bills. To reduce this expenditure, PCMC is focusing on increasing renewable energy generation. Currently, solar energy systems are installed on 95 of PCMC's total 264 buildings. Work to install solar panels on another 21 buildings is in its final stages, while there are plans to install solar panels on the remaining 148 buildings.
An allocation of ₹37.10 crore has been made in the civic body's budget for installing solar panels on PCMC buildings. Additionally, a proposal for an allocation of ₹1 crore and adjustment of funds has been submitted for approval. Currently, PCMC generates 14 MW of electricity from its waste-to-energy plant in Moshi.
The floating solar power project on the Pavana River will be a significant step towards PCMC's energy self-sufficiency, Puneker News stated. It is expected that this project will generate a large amount of electricity, leading to savings in the civic body's financial expenditure.
