Social Dimensions of Solar Energy Development in Rewa District: A Sociological Study of Employment, Land Use Change, and Social Structure

In the contemporary global context, energy is no longer viewed merely as a commodity of production and consumption; rather, it has emerged as a key foundation of national competitiveness, the digital economy, and social modernization. Global energy studies for 2025–26 indicate that energy security and the shift toward renewable energy have become central elements of modern industrial strategies. In this broader context, the 750 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh is widely considered a model within India’s energy policy framework. The present study is based on secondary sources, including government documents, World Bank reports, social and economic survey reports, and relevant research articles, to analyze the sociological impacts of this project on the local society. The findings suggest that the expectations of local communities regarding employment opportunities and improved energy access have not been fully realized. Although the project has contributed to infrastructural modernization and has encouraged the growth of a service-based economy, concerns remain regarding the limited availability of stable local employment, the impact on community resources, and inequalities in the distribution of benefits. These issues highlight the need for a more inclusive and socially just approach to renewable energy development.