The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken a significant step towards sustainable urban growth by harnessing solar power to generate electricity. Over the past two years, the civic body has saved ₹5.91 crore in electricity expenses by installing rooftop solar systems on its buildings. These systems generate 3 MW of electricity per hour, marking a notable step towards energy self-reliance.
The solar panels have been installed at 86 civic locations, including the main administrative building, municipal schools, hospitals, swimming pools, theatres, badminton halls, and crematoria. As of September 2025, these systems have produced 59,17,112 units of clean electricity. The PCMC’s initiative is not only aimed at reducing power bills but also at transforming Pimpri-Chinchwad into a ‘Net Zero’ city in the near future.
According to Pradip Jambhale Patil, additional municipal commissioner, PCMC, the initiative is aimed at achieving financial savings and transforming the city into a sustainable one. Anil Bhalsakale, joint city engineer, PCMC, stated that transitioning to green energy is a long-term investment in sustainable urban development, achieving both environmental conservation and economic efficiency.
To meet future energy demands, the PCMC is developing new 450 kW-capacity solar systems at 13 additional sites, which are currently in progress. Furthermore, plans are in place to install 4 MW of solar capacity across 58 additional locations. The PCMC’s efforts towards sustainable urban growth and energy self-reliance are expected to continue to grow in the years ahead, with a focus on expanding the use of solar energy and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The initiative is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city, and it is expected to serve as a model for other cities to follow.