Orissa identifies land for NTPC solar projects

The Orissa government has identified land for the solar power projects proposed by the Central sector utility major National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in the state. The locations zeroed in are Bolangir and Boudh.

While about 300 acres of land is available in Bolangir, where Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) plans to develop a solar park, about 90 acres of land is available in Boudh, sources said.

The science and technology department of the state government has identified these locations for solar power project following the interest evinced by NTPC to set up solar and wind power projects in Orissa with aggregate generation capacity of 500 Mw.

Besides, the state government has communicated its views on the draft MoU (memorandum of understanding) for the projects to NTPC. According to sources, a senior official of OREDA recently visited New Delhi and held discussion with NTPC officials on this matter.

A team of NTPC is expected to come to Orissa soon to hold discussion with the state officials to finalise the MoU. However, the possible site for the wind project is yet to be identified by OREDA. Orissa, which has untapped potential in wind and solar energy at locations like Chandipur, Gopalpur and Paradeep, is considered as an attractive investment destination in these sectors.

NTPC team would finalise the pre-feasibility study of wind and solar based projects at potential sites selected by OREDA. The techno-economic viable projects will be taken up for implementation by NTPC. However, these projects would be implemented only after obtaining the approval of the State Technical Committee (STC) for renewable projects headed by the secretary in the science and technology department.

The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these projects are expected to be finalised in six months from the date of allotment of land by the state government and obtaining the statutory clearances.