MahaGenco, NTPC ink pact for 2500 MW solar power project
19 Jun 2020 00:58:02
Dr Nitin Raut during review meet of Energy Department over solar power projects planned in Maharashtra.
Staff Reporter :
MahaGenco and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have inked a pact for setting-up a 2500 MW solar power project in Maharashtra. The two companies are leaders in thermal power production in the country and their interest in renewable energy signifies the need for cheaper source of power. Dr Nitin Raut, Energy Minister, on Thursday during a review meeting of department asked officials to locate suitable land for the solar project at the earliest. Solar is now the in thing as in Indian conditions the assured available of sun rays of maximum period ensure that power generation is maximised. Also now increasingly higher cost of thermal power is proving a bottleneck in passing on benefits to consumers who are finding it difficult to take the financial burden of increasing energy rates.
During the meeting, Dr Raut also sought information about status of ongoing two solar projects of MahaGenco, one of 250 MW at Daundai in Dhule district and second one of 16 MW at Gavhankund in Amravati District. Officials informed that work at Gavhankund in Warud tehsil is in last stage and power generation would start very soon. As to Dhule project, the Minister instructed officials of MahaGenco to complete the process of land acquisition. The tender process for setting-up solar panels should be speeded-up and agreement be ready with concessionaire. About the earlier project, Dr Raut said NTPC has taken lead and proposed to set-up the solar project in the State. MahaGenco should identify a suitable land for the mega project and submit the proposal to the Ministry.
He also expected the three subsidiaries of MSEB namely, MSEDCL, MahaTransco and MahaGenco to work in collaboration for identifying more green power projects so as to protect the fragile environment. Efforts should be made to identify sites for setting-up wind power and projects to generate power from urban waste. Similarly, if possible a co-generation project involving wind and solar energy should be explored by the officials, Dr Raut said further.
The meeting was attended through video conferencing by Dinesh Waghmare, Principal Secretary, Energy, Shaila A, Managing Director, MahaGenco, Satish Chavan, Executive Director (Commercial), MahaVitaran, Thangpandian, Executive Director (Projects), MahaGenco, Anil Nagrare (Member, High Powered Committee), Prakash Khandare, Rajkumar Taskar, Milind Natu, Rajesh Patil, all Chief Engineers, Suhas Rangari, Officiating Regional Director, MahaVitaran ,Vidarbha Region, and others.