Pune: PCMC Eyes Floating Solar Project on Pavana River to Reduce Electricity Costs
Pimpri Chinchwad, 10th October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) plans to install floating solar panels at Pavana river to generate electricity and reduce its power expenses. The civic body will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed project, which is expected to be included in its 2026-27 budget.
The move comes as the civic body steps up efforts to generate renewable energy and reduce electricity consumption. In the 2025-26 financial year, the PCMC paid Rs 158 crore to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) towards electricity bills.
The civic body has 264 buildings, including ward offices, schools, hospitals, its headquarters, warehouses, sports complexes, auditoriums and water treatment plants. Solar power systems have been commissioned on 95 of these buildings, while installation work is nearing completion at another 21. The PCMC plans to install panels on the remaining 148 buildings as well.
The civic body also generates 14 MW of electricity by burning dry waste at its waste-to-energy plant at the Moshi garbage depot.
The proposed floating solar panels on the Pavana river, which supplies water to the city, are part of the PCMC’s broader efforts to increase power generation and savings. The project will move forward after the relevant proposal receives approval.
The civic budget has an allocation of Rs 37.10 crore for installing solar panels on municipal buildings, including ward offices, sports complexes, auditoriums and schools. A proposal seeking administrative approval for a Rs 1 crore provision, along with adjustments to the allocation, has been placed before the general body for approval.
The PCMC’s electrical department said further action on the floating solar project would be taken after the proposal is approved.
