AI-Driven Green and Sustainable Development in the Energy Sector Begins: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Digitisation of Mahavitaran through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

▪ Initiative to be implemented in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and the Energy Department

Mumbai, December 2025 : Maharashtra is set to strengthen its power distribution system through the adoption of a ‘Digital Twin’ model for solar and renewable energy sources. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) will implement an AI-based digitisation initiative with the participation of international institutions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that this initiative marks the beginning of environment-friendly and sustainable economic development in Maharashtra’s energy sector through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Mahavitaran, in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation (RF), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and the State Energy Department, will undertake this AI-driven digitisation initiative.

Earlier this year in January, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held discussions with Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, on this subject. During these talks, the highly innovative concept of using Digital Twin technology in power distribution systems was introduced. Since the Energy Department is under the direct charge of the Chief Minister, this revolutionary decision has been taken in the interest of Maharashtra’s energy sector.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that a world-class AI-based platform developed with the support of institutions like RF and GEAPP will serve as a model for other power distribution companies across the country, setting new benchmarks for the sector.

Expressing satisfaction over Dr. Shah’s positive response, the Chief Minister noted that AI-based decision-support tools will be extremely useful in improving consumer services and gradually strengthening Mahavitaran’s financial stability. He further expressed confidence that the solutions developed for Mahavitaran would provide long-term, sustainable, and effective support to the power distribution sector.

This marks India’s first attempt to develop a ‘Digital Twin’ model in power distribution. The innovative AI-based initiative is expected to bring significant change to rural areas by increasing the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.

Digitisation Drive: Maharashtra’s Technological Leap

Through this new digital technology, farmers and electricity consumers in rural Maharashtra will receive more reliable and easily accessible power supply. With direct global collaboration in AI technology and the energy sector, advanced digital systems will be implemented in Maharashtra, improving the accuracy of power flow, field operations, and energy management.

Under this initiative, a digital model of the power network is being created to enable advanced analysis of power flow, grid optimisation, outage planning, and better integration of renewable energy (RE) sources. The AI system will also assist in infrastructure maintenance planning and in expanding solar power usage for farmers.

This digital system is being implemented in the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL), marking the beginning of the resolution of long-standing technical complexities.

Opportunity for a Self-Reliant, Efficient Green Energy System

According to the Energy Department, these changes will have a major long-term impact on the energy sector. The digital transformation will enable faster decision-making in project management, enhance grid efficiency, and significantly expand the use of solar power. Increased usage of green energy will lead to a substantial reduction in pollution.

Even a minimum one percent reduction in power loss through this new system could result in an annual savings of approximately ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 crore, leading to a major reduction in financial losses.

National and International Significance

With global participation, such digital solutions—particularly in fast-developing countries like India—can bring transformative change in ensuring power stability, uninterrupted availability, and improved quality of electricity services in rural areas. The adoption of AI-based digital systems in India’s power distribution network is a crucial step toward building a self-reliant, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient energy ecosystem. Through this initiative, Maharashtra has gained a significant opportunity to contribute to this national mission.

A New Era for the Energy Sector

Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation, Mahavitaran is set to modernise the energy sector, ushering in a new era for Maharashtra’s power infrastructure.

Key Objectives of the Initiative:

• Enhanced effectiveness of power flow, grid optimisation, and renewable energy integration
• Improved consumer services and distribution efficiency leading to financial strengthening
• Better maintenance and planning of the State’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure

Benefits for Rural Consumers and Farmers:

With this digital system, the use of solar energy will increase, and farmers and rural consumers will receive more reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

Economic and Environmental Impact:

• Annual savings of approximately ₹1,000–1,500 crore in power distribution
• Reduction in pollution due to increased green energy usage