In order to reduce dependence on conventional sources of energy generation, protection of environment and generation of employment on a large scale, the State Government is mulling to come up with a new policy on renewable energy.
An Odisha Renewable Energy Policy-2015-22 is being drafted by experts, which aims at generating 3,000 megawatt (MW), a challenging target. Out of this, solar energy would be 2,300 MW, wind energy 350 MW, small hydro energy 150 MW, biomass 180 MW while 20 MW of energy would be from municipal solid wastes (MSW), said official sources.
The policy framework would encourage entrepreneurial investment and provide rational fiscal and promotional incentives so as to provide the much-needed conducive atmosphere to attract private investment. It would also be a strong push to propel the growth of various renewable energy technologies in the State.
The policy would ensure long-term energy security of the State as well as ecological security by reduction in carbon emissions and provide long-term sustainable solution to meet energy needs and reduce dependence on conventional sources of power, said a senior official in Department of Energy.
Solar Parks would be created to provide ready-to-use infrastructure. The Government targets to set up three to four Solar Parks with an aggregate capacity of 1,500 MW during the policy control period of 2015-2022.
The Green Energy Development Corporation of Odisha limited (GEDCOl) would be the Nodal Agency for development of solar projects utilising water bodies and developing Solar Parks. The GEDCOl would also join hands with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for development of Solar Parks.
Due to constraints in land acquisition, areas covered under water bodies can be considered for development of solar projects. Water reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation are excellent spots to generate solar power through floating solar plants. On canal-top solar panels can be mounted structures as has been in Gujarat.
The Grid Corporation of Odisha limited (GRIDCO), the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation limited (OPTCl) and the GEDCOl are taking the lead in supporting the new initiative.
The OPTCl shall be responsible to provide connectivity to the grid and bear the cost of connectivity of the project to the interconnection point. The GRIDCO shall procure power from the solar projects developed on water bodies at the tariff bid by the developer during selection process.
There is a lot of scope for small hydro projects in the State. As per a survey, 222 sites in the State have the potential in this regard, which can produce 295 MW of power.
The installed capacity of the State’s small hydro projects is 64.30 MW and it is now targeted to a capacity addition of 150 MW through small hydro projects, officials said.