Tata Power, Adani Power eyeing MP for solar projects

With Madhya Pradesh gradually emerging as a solar power hub in the country, the private developers, including Tata Power and Adani Power, are keen on setting up solar power projects here.

With the state gradually emerging as a solar power hub, private developers including Tata Power and Adani Power, are keen on setting up projects here.

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"Various public and private sector firms are coming forward to set up solar projects. Tata Power is planning to set up a 240-MW solar project here," a new and renewable energy department official said. Adani Power is also in talks with the government to set up solar and wind energy plants.

The government has drawn up an ambitious plan to increase its solar power capacity manifold over the next three years. The state aims to generate 500 MW solar power by the end of the current financial year and 2,650 MW by 2017.

At present, 36 projects with a total capacity to generate 696 MW power are under various stages of implementation. The official said Tata Power had roped in US-based solar power solutions provider for the project. The company has requested the government to allocate land for establishing the plant.

The world's first ultra mega solar power plant is being set up in Rewa which will generate 750 MW of power. "MP is aiming to become the second largest producer of solar power in India after Gujarat by end of 2015," the official added. MP has taken several policy initiatives to attract investment in the solar power sector.

A digital land data bank of several thousand hectares, accessible to developers, makes site identification easy. With solar radiation at 6.2 KWH per square metre during 300 days a year, conditions for solar power generation are extremely conducive in the state. The state government is also developing Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Rewa and Jabalpur as solar cities.