Maharashtra Sets Big Target for Clean Energy by 2036

Maharashtra Sets Big Target for Clean Energy by 2036

March 20, 2026

Maharashtra, India’s largest industrial state by electricity consumption, has unveiled an ambitious clean energy roadmap that aims to source 65% of its total electricity demand from renewable energy sources by the financial year 2035–36. The announcement marks one of the most comprehensive state-level renewable energy commitments in India’s recent history and carries major implications for businesses operating in the state.

Where Maharashtra Stands Today

Currently, Maharashtra has approximately 31.3 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable energy capacity — a substantial base, but one that accounts for only about 15% of the state’s total power generation. With electricity demand rising rapidly across industrial, commercial, and residential segments, the gap between current renewable output and future requirements is significant.

The state government’s new policy acknowledges this gap directly and sets out a detailed framework to close it over the next decade.

The Scale of What’s Planned

To achieve its 65% renewable energy target, Maharashtra plans to add nearly 100 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2035–36. Alongside this, the state is targeting approximately 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of daily energy storage infrastructure — a critical component for ensuring reliable power supply as variable renewable sources like solar and wind take a larger share of the generation mix.

Distribution companies operating in Maharashtra will be required to secure storage capacity equivalent to at least 10% of their total demand, with the majority of this stored energy to be sourced from renewable generators.

Key Policy Provisions

Battery Storage Integration: All new renewable energy projects will be required to include battery storage from the outset — starting with a minimum of two hours of storage capacity and increasing to four hours in subsequent project phases. This ensures that solar and wind plants can continue delivering power during periods of low generation.

Investor Incentives: The policy includes a package of financial and administrative incentives to attract investment, including tax benefits, land allocation support, and the development of dedicated renewable energy zones across the state.

Renewable Energy Zones: The government plans to identify and develop specific geographic zones optimised for renewable energy deployment, streamlining approvals and infrastructure development for large-scale projects.

What This Means for Maharashtra’s Businesses

For industrial and commercial consumers in Maharashtra, this policy shift creates both opportunities and obligations. On one hand, the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity in the state is likely to increase the availability and competitiveness of open access renewable power — potentially driving down per-unit costs for businesses that procure green energy directly.

On the other hand, as renewable energy becomes a larger part of the state’s power mix, the pressure on businesses to align their own energy procurement with sustainability goals will intensify — from clients, investors, and regulators alike.

Maharashtra’s clean energy push is also a strong signal that the open access renewable energy market in the state is set to grow significantly over the coming decade, creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes to lock in long-term green energy at stable tariffs.

Explore Maharashtra’s open access policies and current solar tariffs on our Policies page.