Rs 4,437 cr nod for grid-connected solar plants

The government today said Rs 4,437 crore have been approved for setting up 1,100 MW grid-connected solar power plants under the first phase of the National Solar Mission.

"(There is) a target to set up 1,100 MW grid-connected solar plants, including 100 MW capacity plants as rooftop (plants) and other smaller solar power plants for the first phase of the mission till March 2013," New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Under the three-phase National Solar Mission, the government is planning to generate 20,000 MW solar power by 2022.

During this period, 2000 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications, including 20 million solar lights, are also planned to be installed.

"In addition, 200 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications and 7 million square metre solar thermal collector area are to be installed," he added.

Replying to another query, the Minister said around 15,789 MW grid-interactive power generation capacities have been installed through various renewable energy sources in the country, of which 10,949 MW has been produced from wind energy.