Indian state-run energy company Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), will set up 600 megawatts of solar power capacity.
The lignite mining and power generation company, which has been operating its power plants using the lignite it mines is now focusing on renewable resources wind and solar power.
NLC Chairman and Managing Director B Surender Mohan told The Hindu that the company was in the process of setting up “small-scale solar projects” — that is of 10-15 Mw capacity — in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan with a total capacity of 50 megawatts.
“We also propose to install a 100-MW solar project at Neyveli, for which identification of suitable land is under progress,” he added.
NLC is also in talks with Tamil Nadu and other states for installing solar projects with higher capacity. These will be implemented after techno-economic viability studies are completed and necessary land is procured, according to Mohan.
NLC already has a 51 Mw wind power project under construction in Tirunelveli. And, nine of the 34 wind turbines of 1.5 Mw each, which form the project, have been commissioned. Also, the construction of a 10-Mw solar project at Neyveli is expected to be completed soon.
Ajith Kumar S