Minister of State for power, coal, new and renewable energy (independent charge) in the Central Government, Piyush Goyal on Friday appreciated Punjab on successfully tendering 500 MW Grid Connected solar power projects in the State.
In a communiqué to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, he congratulated him and the Punjab Government.
In solar energy, Punjab has got accolades at national level and last year Punjab received ‘Best performing State award in Solar Energy’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who presented this award to Bikram Singh Majithia, New & Renewable Energy Minister.
Recognising the efforts of Punjab in promoting solar energy, the Union Government has appreciated the State Government’s pioneering initiatives on the solar power front.
Goyal wrote that with more than 200 MW solar power projects including large solar installations already producing clean energy in the state, the successful tendering of 500 MW solar projects will not only have a positive impact in the sector but also go a long way in meeting the National Solar Mission’s (NSM) target of 100 GW solar capacity by 2022. “It is our endeavour to provide clean, reliable energy to the vast population”, he added.
The Minister appreciated the State Government’s efforts for promotion of grid connected solar rooftop projects as the state has not only notified the necessary policy but the World’s largest grid connected solar rooftop project of 7.52 MW was set up in Punjab and is further being expanded to 20 MW. It may be mentioned here that Punjab has recently allotted rooftop solar projects of capacity 53 MW to developers.
Seeking more support from states for realizing the 100 GW National Solar Mission target, Goyal said that the NSM was making relentless efforts to bring down the cost of solar power to have grid parity for popularizing the usage of solar power for generation of electricity throughout the country. “Punjab’s positive and pro-renewable energy efforts will certainly inspire other states”, he concluded.
In three years, Majithia has scripted a success with Solar Energy generation in Punjab which is all set to increase its green power generation from 9 MW to 1550 MW (172 times). During this period, Punjab has also recorded a massive increase in investment from meagre `70 crore to `12,000 crore besides creating employment avenues for 10,000 youth.
“It is only possible due to solar developers accross the globe are investing in Punjab considering its best solar power promotion policy in the country”, Majithia said.
Punjab Government has also launched a Net Metering policy under which one lakh buildings will be covered by year 2022 resulting in 200MW of solar power generation.