RPP Infra to invest Rs 80 cr in 5MW solar unit

RPP Infra Projects Ltd today announced its entry into solar power sector, beginning with a 5 MW project in Tamil Nadu. The company would invest Rs 80 crore in the project, and is in talks with solar manufacturing companies in China and Thailand.

The Erode-based construction company said in an announcement to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that it expects to commence operations in 2011-12, and that funding would be finalised once the joint venture is formed. The company is in advance talks with Thai Agency Engineering Corporation Ltd from Thailand.

Arul Sundaram, chairman and managing director, RPP Infra Projects Ltd, said the 20,000 MW target to be achieved by 2020 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was a clear indication of the focus on the solar sector to meet the rising energy demand.

The proposed solar farm would come up on a 92-acre site at Kamudhi in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The location is considered have the best potential for solar energy generation in south India, according to the company. The project would utilise crystalline technology for producing power.

Apart from this project, the company also plans to set up a manufacturing unit for solar photo-voltaic (PV) modules in the coming years as it sees rising demand for PV modules.