In order to meet the growing power demand, the State Government is formulating a policy to promote solar energy. The draft policy is in advance stage of finalisation and would be ready in next three months time, said Science and Technology Secretary DN Gupta.
Talking to newsmen here, Gupta said that the proposed policy envisages provision of incentives for putting solar power projects. The State Government would provide 30 per cent of the total cost for installation of solar panels at the rooftops and solar water pumps, he said.
The Science and Technology Secretary said that a campaign would be launched to sensitize the people to install solar panels on their rooftops. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has been asked to amend its by-laws to facilitate solar panels on the rooftops, he said.
At present 13 MW of power is being generated from nine solar projects and it is targeted to add 55 MW power from the solar energy in next one and a half years, he said.
Admitting that the generation cost of the solar energy was higher than the thermal and hydro power, Gupta expected to achieve parity in cost of production in next couple of years. He said that the OREDA has been proactively promoting solar power projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with a view to fulfill the solar power purchase obligation of the State as well as for trading Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) in the power exchange.
He said so far nine grid-connected solar power projects have been commissioned in the State for a total capacity of 13 MW under JNNSM scheme. Besides, to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) of GRIDCO, the OREDA has given a letter of intent for installation of a 30 MW solar power plant in the State. It is expected to commission the projects during the current financial year, Gupta said.
Regarding development of off grid solar power plant in the State, he said the OREDA has installed a 50 KW rooftop solar plant in the Secretariat building during 2012-13.