AAP govt targeting 1,000 MW of solar power generation: Minister

AAP government has set a target of generating 1,000 MW of solar power in next five years, Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain today said. Addressing a conference organised by ASSOCHAM here, Jain said that solar power will be the only option in future as the cost of conventional power is "drastically" increasing every year.

"Our government has set a target of generating 1,000 MW of solar power in the next five years. In the first year, our target is of generating 20-40 MW of solar power and in second year, we will achieve a target of 100 MW and in next year, our target will be of 200 MW.

"Similarly, government aims to generate 400 MW of solar power in fourth year and thereafter, we will then extend our target."

The power minister said that the rates of solar power have also been similar to conventional power and hoped that solar power will be much cheaper in coming years.

"Five or ten years ago, nobody would take interest in solar power... The reason was that rates of solar energy have almost been similar to the rates of conventional power.

"Whatever we say about solar power and delay in implementation of power project today... But it is true that there will be only solar power in future and there will be no alternative," Jain said during conference on 'Solar Power'.

"We hope that there will be decline in rates of solar power and in future. The rates of solar power will be three times less compared to conventional power rates in terms of capital cost," Jain also added.