of Maharashtra implementing New & Renewable Energy initiatives The oil shock of late 1970s prompted energy planners world over to look for alternative sources of energy. Proper utilization of renewable energy such as solar, biomass, wind etc., once again started capturing the imagination of mankind. It was realized that sustainable development of the country called for growth of energy sector with
effective management and proper mix of available renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. The Government of India set an example as one of the few countries that created independent ministry for renewable energy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the early 1980s. In line with the Central Government policy, the renewable energy namely Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE) in early eighties. In line with the Central Government policy, Maharashtra created Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA). Registered as a Society on 26 July 1985, MEDA as an organization commenced functioning from July 1986. MEDA's objective is to undertake development of renewable energy and facilitate energy conservation in the State of Maharashtra, as a state nodal agency under the umbrella of the MNRE. Apex controlling body of MEDA is the governing body with the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Maharashtra state, as Chairman. For about a decade since its establishment, MEDA did extensive work in the field of renewable energy focusing on rural areas and stand-alone devices. Integrated Rural Energy Planning (IREP) programme was the main plank of its activities. However, in the last few years, technologies of generation of grid-connected power from renewable sources have matured and were become popular in India. Accordingly, MEDA has undergone organizational restructuring from a largely rural `Stand Alone System' oriented organization to a significant player in the field of generation of power from Renewables. Generation of power from environment friendly resources has become the main focus. To undertake this onerous responsibility, MEDA has positioned itself as an organization with enough financialand human capabilities having a professional organisational strucutre. We have also undertaken extensive human resource development activities and have created a modern working environment for our staff. Our office uses renewable energy sources: a wind solar hybrid stand-alone-power-system.
