Bengal seeks easing of NCEF norms for solar projects

West Bengal has sought easing of National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) norms for a Rs 7,047 crore 1,200 MW solar project in Purulia.
"There is a ceiling of 25MW for NCEF eligibility. In a recent meeting with Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal, we had asked to remove the 25MW ceiling and he has assured to do so," West Bengal State Power Minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee told PTI.
West Bengal had sought 40 per cent funds under Viability Gap Funding (VGP) totalling around Rs 2,800 crore for the Turga mega power project.
Chatterjee said there are a lot of funds in the clean energy fund and government should provide money for such projects.

The 1,200 MW solar project would require 5000 acres but as the project is in Purulia, land is not likely to be an issue, a power department official said.
The state government wants to set up the solar plant to feed the second 1000 MW pump storage power plant in the same location to be built at cost of Rs 5200 crore.

Process for obtaining environmental and forest clearance is in progress.
Chatterjee said the Centre has given a target of 5000 MW of solar capacity in the state.
The Central government has set a target of solar power capacity of 100 GW by 2022.