Wednesday, September 03, 2014: Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has asked Odisha state government to identify a site and appoint a public sector undertaking (PSU) to set up an ultra mega solar power project (UMSPP)/solar park in the state. The PSU needs to deal in the field of power sector.
The PSU will be the designated agency for the project. The solar park project is a joint venture by the state government and Centre. This park will have a capacity of 500MW which may fulfil requirements of those consumers who completely depend upon solar and hydro power. Solar parks can be of various sizes but whenever the size exceeds 500MW it is declared as UMSPP. In the latest budget a provision was given for setting up ultra mega solar power projects or solar parks in various states.
Now the ministry is working on a scheme for this UMSPP projects under which financial aid will be provided by the government. The parks can be developed by a state government organisation or any selected PSU. A joint venture may also take place with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), as and when required. The land will also be provided by the state government. Then the park and its basic infrastructure like road and water will be developed by the designated agency, as told in a letter by Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary to MNRE which is addressed to Energy secretary, Odisha.
The letter also added the Grid connectivity will be provided through state transmission utility (STU) or power grid corporation and central assistance can be used for the same. The letter also said, “We are also trying to arrange some loans from multilateral/ bilateral international lending agencies to cover the remaining cost. The project developers will then be able to get developed land with all required clearances and grid connectivity for setting up of solar power projects under various schemes of Government of India or State Government or for third party sale or captive use.”
