Wednesday, August 27, 2014: Haryana Solar Power Policy 2014 has been approved by the Haryana government. The policy will be implemented from the date of its notification and will be valid till 31 March, 2017. Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda chaired the Cabinet meeting where this decision was taken.
The policy targets achieving Megawatt (MW) scale grid connected solar power project, rooftop grid interactive SPV system, small scale grid solar power projects, training programme on solar projects in ITI and also introducing diploma courses on the same. The policy also aims to develop model villages for solar energy promotion and further research and development in the field of solar energy in engineering colleges. The policy will also look after fund generation for implementation of the projects.
Hooda told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, “As the state is endowed with high solar radiation levels with about 320 days of clear sun in a year, harnessing untapped and inexhaustible solar energy potential would not only usher-in required energy mix but would also significantly reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.” The solar power generation capacity is required to be increased to 1,300MW from present 8MW. Incentives will be provided by the state government to set up solar power projects. A separate ‘Green Energy Fund’ will be created under the control of Board of Governors of HAREDA and Director General, Renewable Energy Department and HAREDA.
Under the policy, the State will also develop SPV solar power plants to fulfill Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation. All efforts will aim to fulfill the entire requirement of solar power which is required to be purchased by the Power Distribution Licensee (DISCOM). By March 2017, HAREDA shall promote and also install 100MW grid connected solar power project in two phases. Each phase will select 50MW capacities through reverse bidding on the basis of maximum discount offered by Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC).
