Solar power developers evinces interest in Punjab

Thanks to the proactive steps of Punjab in harnessing solar power, the state has managed to win solar power developers' confidence. The state has received proposals for setting up 337 megawatts (Mw), against the total capacity of 250 Mw. The projects are likely to attract an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.

In 2013, the state had awarded projects of 250 Mw to 26 developers in different parts of the state, which have either been commissioned before time or likely to be commissioned by March 2015. The solar power projects were awarded in two categories - projects which have a capacity of one to four Mw and the other between five and 30 Mw. In the first category, 18 companies were awarded the projects of 50 Mw, while in the other one, 11 were given projects of 200 Mw solar power. Among the companies which have been awarded the projects include Lanco Solar Energy, Punj Lloyd Infrastructure, Moser Baer Clean Energy, Essel Infra Projects, Asopus Infrastructure (India Bulls), Welspun Solar Punjab and Azure Urja.

Currently, the total installed capacity in Punjab is 57 Mw of solar photovoltaic power, which includes power projects by Azure Urja (34 Mw), Madhav Solar (four Mw) and International Switchgears (one Mw). Further, with various projects are on various stages of construction, the total solar power generation will touch around 240 Mw by March 2015. Overall, Punjab has set a target to generate 4,120 Mw by 2020 power from the solar energy.

Speaking to Business Standard, Amarpal Singh, chief executive, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) said, "We have received proposal for setting up 337 Mw against 250 Mw. The response is phenomenal and we would be facilitating the developers for the timely completion of the project."

PEDA is a nodal agency for promotion and development of renewable energy programmes and projects in the state.

Commenting upon the projects which have completed in recent past or are in various stages of completion, he added, "We are doing everything to harness solar energy in the state. To ensure the timely completion of the projects by the developers, close interaction is being done by Bikram Singh Majithia, non-conventional energy minister of the state with developers by way of organising meetings every two months. On the spot decision are taken during these interactions to remove any difficulty the developers face for implementing the project besides weekly monitory is done."

Sharing his experience with Punjab government, Punj Lloyd, director (corporate affairs), Luv Chhabra said, "We do projects in other state also, but the co-operation we got from the state government was amazing. We hope to complete our project of 20 Mw by mid of this month."