Centre plans 5000 Mw solar power production in Odisha

The Union ministry of new and renewable energy plans to set up 5000 Mw solar power production capacity in Odisha in next three years.

"Our focus is now on those states which have not done very well in solar projects. We will be planning for 5000 Mw solar power generation in Odisha in next three years", said Praveen Saxena, advisor to Union ministry of new and renewable energy on the side-lines of an event here.

States like Rajasthan and Gujarat have gone far ahead in developing solar projects.

He said, the central government will organize a business meet in February to attract investments worth USD 100 billion to the sector.

With prime minister, Narendra Modi taking keen interest in solar projects, India is about to witness a massive scaling up of solar power capacity to 100,000 Mw in next five years. The total installed capacity of solar plants in the country, at present, is pegged at 2780 mw.

Saxena said, Odisha would be setting up small hydro projects with combined capacity of 700 to 750 Mw.

Under the proposed Small Hydro Power policy, the Union ministry aims to renovate old small hydro projects, bring in private investments and identify new potential for power generation.

"We are ready with the technology to produce hydro power from water flowing in the canals", he added.