Indian state to add 1.2GW of solar power capacity by June 2015

The state of Madhya Pradesh in India is planning to fix an additional solar power capacity of 1.2GW by June 2015.

The proposed capacity, which will be added to the existing 202MW of solar power, is part of the state government plans to achieve 3.8GW of power projects through renewable energy.

Of the total proposed power, wind based power projects will be accounting for 1.9GW of capacity followed by solar (1.4GW), biomass (300MW) and small hydro projects (200MW).

Under its New and Renewable Energy policy (NRE) with no electricity cess and duty for ten years, the state government is aimed at achieving 21.11% of renewable power plants by 2015 from 5% in 2012, according to The Times of India.

Madhya Pradesh principal secretary S R Mohanty was quoted by the news agency as saying that the state’s solar power generation capacity was increased from 2MW to 220.15MW in September 2013.

"In second quarter of 2013 (July-September), 191MW of solar capacity was added in the country, of which 145MW was added in Madhya Pradesh alone, which is almost 80%," Mohanty added.

In August 2013, the state had put into operation a 130MW solar power project in Neemach district.

"There are currently 206 projects under execution which will generate over 4GW of power through renewable energy."