Tariff hike hinges on solar power expansion in Bengal

West Bengal today said it is not contemplating major solar projects for consumer distribution even as the Centre plans to expand country's solar capacity to 40GW, as it will have an "impact" on the tariff.
Replying to a question on the state's steps for the Centre's 40 GW solar mission plan, state power minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, said "We have successfully delivered power even to remote places with thermal units. Solar power being costly, it will have an impact on the tariff."
The minister's reply indicated that state government was not keen for grid-connected solar projects for consumer distribution fearing adverse impact on tariff.

However, the state government has already undertaken some solar projects, with the major one being a 1,200 MW solar plant at Purulia at a cost of Rs 7,047 crore to feed the Rs 5,200 crore Turga pumped storage power plant of 1,000 MW in the same district.
While other small solar projects like the 10 MW solar canal bank project in Uttar Dinajpur, a 500 MW solar park proposed to boost renewables and 10 MW grid connected projects were undertaken by the WBPDCL, several offices and educational intuitions were also in the process of installing roof-top solar panels, the minister said adding, sketches have been prepared for household rooftop solar panels.