MAHAGENCO to Develop Three Mega Solar Parks in Vidarbha, Maharashtra

Maharashtra State Energy Minister Nitin Raut has announced that the state cabinet has decided to go for solar energy in a big way. He has directed MAHAGENCO to set up several solar parks having total capacity of 602 MW in three phases. In the second phase, three solar parks having total capacity of 390 MW would come up in Vidarbha.

Raut said that in the first phase 187 MW capacity would come up at Kaudgaon (50 MW), Latur (60 MW), thermal power station lands at Bhusawal, Koradi, Parli and Nasik (52 MW) and Sakri (25 MW). “Loan will be taken from German government agency KfW and money sanctioned previously by state government would also be utilized. MAHAGENCO has been directed to submit the proposal for cabinet approval immediately,” said the minister.

MAHAGENCO officials said that solar panels would be installed on vacant land near ash bund in Koradi and the solar project would not affect the 2x660 MW thermal expansion project that is at present in limbo.

In the second phase, three solar parks having total 390 MW capacity would come up in Vidarbha. They are Washim (170 MW), Yavatmal (75 MW) and Kachrala (Chandrapur) (145 MW). They would be funded by KfW loan and equity infusion by state government. The proposal for cabinet approval of these projects would be prepared soon.

In the third stage, 25 MW capacity addition would be done at Sakri solar park using domestic loan of lowest rate of interest and equity infusion by state government.

Under ultra-mega renewable energy solar park scheme of central government, some 2,500 MW capacity solar parks will be set up in the state by a joint venture of MAHAGENCO and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Solar projects would be developed by individual companies as per their share in the joint venture company.