SunEdison to build 5GW of solar projects in India

US-based SunEdison has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Rajasthan, a state in India, for the development of 5GW of solar PV projects.

The move is said to form a part of the state government’s solar policy, which intends to create 25GW of solar projects over the next five years.

Under the agreed terms, the company plans to construct mega solar projects, each of which will have an installed capacity of around 500MW or more.

The solar projects will be owned by SunEdison or its affiliates, including Yieldcos.

The clean energy generated at the projects will be supplied to several organizations inside and outside Rajasthan.

The state government will help in finding suitable land for the solar PV developments, and will provide grid as well as interconnection infrastructure.

SunEdison Asia Pacific operations president Pashupathy Gopalan said: "Under the dynamic leadership and vision of the honorable Chief Minister, Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia, this MOU paves the way for socially and environmentally responsible economic growth and prosperity in the State of Rajasthan.

"SunEdison is committed to the long term development of India’s solar program and supports its quest for energy security. In support of this initiative we are building local and global partnerships to ensure India is at the cutting edge of solar technology and can provide its citizens with clean, reliable, affordable energy solutions."

SunEdison currently has more than 50MW of large solar projects and over 1,000 solar water pump installations in Rajasthan.