Taking another big leap in the solar power generation, Punjab Government on Thursday dedicated 10.50 megawatt (MW) solar power plant to the nation claiming to become the first State in the country to operationalise 117 MW solar powers within last four months.
Punjab emerged as the dream destination for investment in solar sector due to investor friendly initiatives of the State Government, said State New and Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia after inaugurating 10.50 MW solar power project set up by Omega Solar Projects Private limited — solar power subsidiary of world renowned major infrastructure lanco Group.
The plant has been set up at the cost of Rs 84 crore in 45 acres of land taken on lease by the company.
“The tiny steps started three years ago in renewable energy sector has now become giant leaps with world renowned solar power companies investing liberally in the state keeping in view its progressive and investor friendly approach,” said Majithia.
He said that major solar power developers like lanco, Solairedirect and Acme etc have come to Punjab after getting convinced with the novel initiative of “Invest Punjab” started by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal and “pro-investor approach”of New and Renewable Energy department.
Majithia revealed that Acme Group was all set to operationalize their 100 MW solar projects in Mansa district by March 2016 and French solar giant ‘SOlAIREDIRECT’ to add 54 MW in its present capacity of 34 mw solar power in Fazilka district.
The Minister said that the state’s farmers have been evincing keen interest in solar power as PEDA has recently got Expressions of Interest for 1200 MW as farmers offered more than 6000 acres against the initial estimates of 500 MW. “The farmers are now getting remunerative lease rates besides high rates even for non-fertile lands,” he said.
He revealed that number of NRIs was opting for solar power and till date, they have invested Rs 245 crore in five projects having joint power generation capacity of 45 MW.