Govt, NTPC to sign MoU for solar park in Jaisalmer

<p> </p><p>The government is set to ink an agreement with NTPC for developing a 925 megawatt solar park in Jaisalmer that would fetch nearly Rs 4,000 core investment. The ultra-mega solar park at Nokh, spread over 1850 hectare, will be the first project for developing a park under the new solar policy announced last month.<br><br><br>Sources in the RRECL said that discussions and decisions with NTPC have taken a definite shape for developing the Nokh Ultra Mega Solar Park and an agreement is likely to be signed very soon.<br><br>When TOI contacted RRECL chairman Ajitabh Sharma, he confirmed that the discussions with NTPC are at an advanced stage and the Central PSU is very keen to develop the park for which land has already been in possession.<br><br>“We have already had several rounds of discussions with NTPC and they have shown willingness to develop the park. While we have ticked most of the boxes, which are critical to the project, they are a couple of aspects that need to be finalized by NTPC. We are expecting the process to be over very soon for the MoU to be signed,” added Sharma.<br><br><br>Sharma said the park will have capacity to attract projects worth nearly Rs 4,000 crore and it will generate large number of employment in the region, engaging vendors, contractors and other service providers.<br><br>In the new solar policy that aims to achieve a target of 30,000 MW solar power projects, RRECL has laid emphasis on setting up Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks in joint venture. RRECL is currently in discussion with three other Central public sector enterprises (CPSUs) to develop joint venture projects in the state.<br><br>Sharma said RRECL has already had preliminary discussions with Power Finance Corporation, Solar Energy Corporation of India, and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation for developing solar parks. “We will continue to have discussions with the CPSUs for developing new solar parks as they will play an important part in achieving the 30,000 megawatt target by 2024-25 as outlined in the policy,” added Sharma.<br><br>In fact, on December 19 last year when the solar policy was announced, Reliance Industries proposed to put up 200 MW capacity solar plant. Recently, Eden Renewables and Adani group have proposed to invest Rs 2,072 crore in the renewable power sector and both the projects have been given 100% exemption from stamp duty and conversion charges under the new RIPS.<br><br>As per the proposals, Eden Renewables will set up 300 MW solar energy project with an investment of Rs 1,572 crore in the 3716 bigha land. Similarly, Adani Group has proposed a 50 MW project for wind energy having investment of Rs 500 crore.<br><br><br>Referred from economic times, dated Jan 08 2020.</p><p> </p>

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