Azure Power proposes 10 MW solar plant in Meghalaya

Shillong, Feb 13 (PTI) Solar power producer AzurePower has proposed to set up the first solar plant in theNortheast in Meghalaya, a 10 MW power plant with an estimatedinvestment of Rs 150 crore.

Awaiting approval from the state government, thecompany made a presentation to Chief Minister Mukul Sangmalast Friday.

Company''s chairman H S Wadhwa said the proposed plantwould be the first and the only private, utility-scalefacility in the region to drive development by providing solarpower service to communities, governments, and commercialcustomers in the state.

The plant has been proposed in Built, Operate andTransfer (BOT) basis.

Some locations have been identified in the state''sRi-Bhoi and West Garo Hills districts.

"Sustainability of a solar project depends upon atleast 250 days of sunshine for which Ri Bhoi and West GaroHills are ideal locations in the state," Rajan Bhattacharya,the local coordinator of the project, said.

The plant, upon being fully operational would employmost advanced solar photovoltaic technology while eliminatingcarbon pollution, Wadhwa observed, adding the project wouldrequire about 15 acres of land which the state governmentshould provide.

Meghalaya, on an average day, requires 610 MW of powerwhile the state''s own production is just 185.2 MW.

In order to meet power demands, the state governmentis forced to buy power from Power Grid and other sources. PTIRTJ NIK