The government of Delhi is planning to fast-track development of solar power generation in phases.
The minister for power, Delhi, Satyendra Jain has stated that the state would develop 2 gigawatts of solar power capacity by 2025.
He said the government wanted to “achieve 1 gigawatt target in next 4-5 years”. “Our target would be 30-40 MW in the first year, 100 MW in the second year, 200 MW in the following year, 400 MW in the year after, and so on,” the minister said.
Jain was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Solar Power: 1,00,000 MW @2022 – Accelerating Deployment’, a conference organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
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According to the minister the government proposed to increase pace of deployment of solar projects by 20 percent. “Solar panels could be installed at railway platforms, metro stations, bus stops, replacing asbestos or fibre rooftops,” he said.
The minister said financing for the project could be raised through “solar power mutual funds” financial institutions would be advised to roll out. Investors could be offered assured units of power at fixed rate to make these products more attractive.
A proposal to allow citizens willing to install solar panels to increase height of roofs is also under consideration of the government. Incentives might also be offered.
Jain pointed out that the potential can be harnessed only after effective solutions are found, overcoming legal hurdles.
Among other proposals, Jain also suggested sale of solar panels as an off-the-shelf purchase to consumers looking to set up panels producing 2-10 kilowatts peak.
In a draft solar policy the Delhi Dialogue Commission presented at a meeting with stakeholders concerned, a highlight was the proposal to develop Delhi as a solar city.
The ministry of new and renewable energy included three cities in the National Capital Region in its list of 50 solar cities announced recently.
The draft policy talked of developing capacity of about 1 gigawatt peak in its tenure of 2015–2020.
The policy also listed incentives including VAT, import duty and electricity tax exemptions.
Only recently the Delhi government had proposed the repurposing of the inoperative Indraprastha thermal power plant as a solar project. A 5-megawatt project is to come up on the premises.
Ajith Kumar S