Women-Led Solar Power Plant Inaugurated in Telangana

India’s first solar power projects operated by women’s self-help groups were launched in Telangana on 27 May 2026. A 1 MW solar power plant was inaugurated at Venkatapuram village in Errupalem mandal of Khammam district under the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme.

Solar Power and Capacity

Solar power is electricity generated from sunlight through photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems. The Khammam plant has an installed capacity of 1 MW and was developed at a cost of ₹3 crore. The project is managed by women’s self-help groups, which are community-based collectives formed for savings, credit, and livelihood activities.

Women’s Self-Help Groups and Livelihoods

Women’s self-help groups in India are commonly linked with microfinance, income generation, and rural enterprise. The Telangana project is expected to generate a daily income of ₹14,000 to ₹15,000 and a monthly earning of about ₹4.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh for the participating groups. The state government has also increased the limit of interest-free loans for women’s self-help groups from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Policy Support and Power Procurement

Power Purchase Agreements are contracts between electricity generators and distribution companies for the sale of power at agreed terms. In this project, the government provided land, subsidies, and procurement arrangements with DISCOMs for the electricity generated by the plant. DISCOMs are state electricity distribution companies that supply power to consumers.

Important Facts for Exams

• Telangana is one of India’s leading states in renewable energy expansion, with solar power projects being added in multiple districts.
• India’s installed solar power capacity is part of the broader renewable energy sector regulated through central and state policies.
• Self-help groups are a major instrument of rural women’s empowerment under several state and central schemes in India.
• Power Purchase Agreements are widely used in India’s electricity sector for both conventional and renewable energy projects.

State Targets and Renewable Energy Plans

Telangana has set a target of generating 20,000 MW of solar power by 2030. The state government plans to establish similar solar power projects in every district. The initiative links renewable energy generation with women’s participation in the power sector.