NTPC obtains government approval for 15,000MW solar projects in India

State-controlled NTPC has obtained approval from the union cabinet in India for 15,000MW of grid connected solar power projects.

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), a unit of the power generator, will set up the solar projects as a part of the National Solar Mission.

The cabinet release stated: "Successful completion of additional 15,000MW capacity of grid-connected solar photo voltaic power generation projects, mainly in the private sector, with largely private investment, under the National Solar Mission would accelerate the process of achieving grid tariff parity for solar power."

The projects are expected to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels like kerosene and diesel in the country.

NTPC has planned the development in three different phases, the first of which will be based on bundling of solar power with unallocated thermal power and have a generation capacity of up to 3,000MW.

The generated energy from first phase, Tranche-I, will be distributed among states where NTPC will obtain lands for power construction, according to the release.

Entities will also be able to purchase solar energy from the projects for consumption within the states.

Andhra Pradesh state will provide land for 1,000MW projects under Tranche-I. The remaining 2,000MW will be established in the states that will show interest in the renewable projects.

The first phase is estimated to cost around Rs180bn (approximately $3bn), which will be raised by the private developers.

NTPC has planned to utilise domestically manufactured solar cells and modules for some facilities.

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Image: NTPC gets approval for 15,000MW of solar power developments in India. Photo: courtesy of franky242 / Freedigitalphotos.net.