NTPC, India’s largest public-sector power generator has announced plans to set up a 750 MW ultra- mega solar photovoltaic power project in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, reports Clean Technica.
The company will invest ₹5,000 crore ($811 million) into the project, a major milestone in its target to install 3,500 MW solar power capacity over the next five years. The project will completed in three tranches of 250 Mw each.
A part of the remaining portion of the 3.5 GW capacity will be established in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. NTPC plans to install similar ultra-mega solar power projects in the two states.
The Indian government has directed state-owned companies for a heavy investment in solar power projects and this strategy will be promoted by not imposing anti-dumping duties on imported solar power modules. Under WTO regulations, government-owned companies have to prefer domestic solar power equipment.
The firm will call for domestic commercial bidding for the equipment (photovoltaic cells) for 250 Mw to encourage the ‘Make In India’ call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While supplies for the balance 500 Mw will be invited through international commercial bidding, foreign suppliers are needed to bridge the domestic supply gap as India does not have more than 750 Mw of photovoltaic cell production capacity, explained, Arup Roy Choudhury, chairman, NTPC.
NTPC is a leading public sector supplier of conventional and renewable power to companies. Currently, its subsidiary sells a unit of solar power combined with four units of conventional power to distribution companies in India.
This makes the renewable power affordable for economically challenged companies. Besides, they receive specific energy supply from a reputed firm to meet the renewable purchase obligation.
In June, NTPC commissioned another 50 MW solar power project in Madhya Pradesh, which was undertaken by Tata Power Solar using domestically manufactured solar modules for power production. The plant is capable of supplying electricity to 90,000 homes in a year.
Last Month, NTPC signed a MoU with Government of Andhra Pradesh to develop 1000 MW solar power projects in Andhra Pradesh at sites identified by government on Build-Own-Operate basis, in a phased manner.
Vishal Kawadkar
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