Energy, New and Renewable Energy, Mineral Resources and Public Relations Minister Rajendra Shukla has said that Rewa district will have a new identity in solar energy sector in Madhya Pradesh and the entire world with the establishment of the world's largest ultra mega solar power plant at Gurh in Rewa district.
Shukla was addressing a programme for signing MoU for the plant between the Madhya Pradesh Energy Development Corporation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) here on Saturday.
Shukla said that concern is being expressed in the entire world over global warming. At such a time, work being done in clean energy sector in Madhya Pradesh is important. He said that success has been achieved in the establishment of this plant due to the special interest of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Central Government is also extending the maximum cooperation.
Shukla said that land of Gurh tahasil is most suitable for ultra mega solar power plant. He said that plant will start generating power by June 2017. Shukla said that the plant will not only generate power, but also give international publicity. Shukla said that better arrangements will also be made for marketing of power. The Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is feeling proud that the dream of the world's largest ultra mega solar power plant is being realised.
Chief Secretary DeSa said that he had undertaken aerial survey of this project's site. This place is ideal for the project. He said that renewable energy is very important from the point of view of environment. Now it has become imperative that Madhya Pradesh utilises maximum renewable energy, especially solar power, in place of conventional energy. He praised the Energy Development Corporation for this.
The Principal Secretary for New and Renewable Energy and MD of MP Energy Development Corporation, Manu Shrivastava explained about the project through a presentation. He said that the cost of the project is Rs 4,500 crore. land measuring 1,500 hectares is required for ultra mega solar power plant. Both revenue and private land is being arranged for it. World Bank has given consent to make available Rs 40 million for the plant. World Bank will provide loans worth 50 per cent of project cost through SEKI, which would be repaid in 25 years.
On behalf of the International Finance Corporation, Isabel Chattertone, Manager, Asia Pacific (IFC) Advisory Services, and Jun Jhang also spoke on the occasion. Principal Secretary Revenue KK Singh and Secretary Urban Development Vivek Agrawal were also present on the occasion.