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The Odisha government is keen to partner NTPC Ltd and other central PSUs for execution of ultra mega solar power projects (UMSPPs) in the state.
“Odisha is desirous of establishing solar parks/mini solar parks for which identification of land is being done. It is suggested to earmark 1,000 Mw capacity for Odisha by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the solar park scheme. The Odisha government would like to partner with NTPC and other central PSUs for furtherance of this ambitious project. After identification of sites for the solar parks/mini solar parks and final decision regarding infrastructure, further communication will be made”, Suresh C Mohapatra, principal secretary (energy) said in a letter to Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary, MNRE.
The state government has started the process of identification of suitable land for implementing UMSPPs.
According to the MNRE, any single solar power project with capacity exceeding 500 Mw will be declared as UMSPP.
The energy department has written to all district collectors to identify suitable land for the project. The state government is searching for 5,000 acres of land for 1,000 Mw solar power generation. Green Energy Development Corporation Ltd (GEDCOL), a fully owned subsidiary of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (OHPC), will be the nodal agency to develop renewable energy projects under the aegis of the energy department.
The land will be provided by the state government and the implementing agency will then develop the park with basic infrastructure like roads and water. Grid connectivity would be provided through state transmission utility.
