Norway has plans to support a project to electrify 28 villages in India, in states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir by installing solar mini-grid power plants.
Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, announced this today in Rajyasabha.
Under Off-grid and decentralized solar applications scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the Ministry provides 30 percent capital subsidy (ranging from Rs 27-135/per Wp) for installation of solar PV systems and power plants.
For special category states inlcluding North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himanchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nikobar Islands, the Ministry provides 90 percent capital subsidy (ranging from Rs 81-405 per Wp.)
The Minister stated that tapping of solar energy in the country is 2647 MW only, compared to the available capacity of 30-50MW. This cannot be treated as under achievement as the large-scale exploitation has started only four years ago.
Solar energy segment in India continues to be expensive and need heavy investments. Solar energy has intermittent nature making it difficult to integrate in the grid, reported the Minister.
Lack of awareness, high cost, limitations of existing power evacuation and transmission networks are main hindering factors in tapping optimal solar energy potential across the country, added the Minister.
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