The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has asked the Odisha government to identify the site and appoint a public sector undertaking (PSU) working in the field of power sector for setting up a ultra mega solar power project (UMSPP)/solar park in the state.
The PSU will be considered as the designated agency for the project to be developed in the state.
The solar park to be jointly developed by the state government and Centre will have a capacity of 500 MW, which is expected to cater to the needs of consumers completely depending on solar and hydro power. While the solar parks can have various sizes, any single project above 500 MW will be declared as UMSP.
A provision has been made in the current year’s budget for setting up ultra mega solar power projects (UMSPPs)/solar parks in various states. The Ministry is in the process of framing a scheme for UMSPP under which some financial assistance would be provided for setting up such parks.
The parks have to be developed by a state government organisation/PSU. They could also go for a joint venture with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), if required. The land has to be provided by the state government. The implementing agency will then develop the park with basic infrastructure like road and water etc,” said a letter of Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary to MNRE addressed to Energy secretary, Odisha.
It said that Grid connectivity will be provided through state transmission utility (STU) or power grid corporation for which a part of central assistance can be utilised.
Courtesy: Odisha Sun Times