Modi-led govt pushes for renewable energy; to double solar power target

New Delhi, Sept 20: Solar power programme was one of the major flagship projects of previous UPA government. Now, the Narendra Modi-led government is all set to take it to a new higher level.

Reportedly, the current government is planning to double the target of the upcoming phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) to 3,000 Mw. If implemented, this will be the largest-ever tender for solar power in the country, said a Business Standard report.

However, the current targets of clean energy would be kept intact, said the minister for coal, power and renewable energy Piyush Goyal.

Also, the government announced its decision tobundle the solar power produced with the unallocated thermal power in the ratio of 2:1, from earlier 1:1. NVVN (NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam limited)will execute the programme, announced Goyal.

The bundled power will be sold at the average rate to the state distribution utilities, said the BS report. Bundled power would bring down the cost of solar power, said the joint secretary of ministry of new and renewable energy, as quoted by BS. "Large capacity addition and pooling of comparatively costly solar power with conventional power would bring down the power price and increase overall power capacity in the country", he said.

Currently, the country has a solar power capacity of 2,600 Mw. The price of solar power has also come down to Rs 6.5-7 a unit. This is almost a 60 per cent decline in past three years.

Oneindia News