Indian state of Odisha targets 80MW solar generation by 2016

Indian state Odisha is targeting solar power generation capacity of 80MW in the next three years and will introduce a new, comprehensive solar policy over the next 60 days to achieve the said target.

The state’s department of science & technology will finalize the policy on behalf of the government.

Science & technology secretary D N Gupta noted that the department has had discussions with the chief secretary B K Patnaik with focus on the solar power policy.

"The policy is set to be finalized within two months. We are also going to come out with a Vision 2020 for the renewable energy sector by that time.

"In the next one year, solar power production in the state is expected to reach 50 MW while we hope to scale it up to 80 MW in the next three years," elaborated Gupta.

The policy is to be framed such that it will promote private investments in the power sector by offering various incentives.

Solar photovoltaic installations, rooftop solar power units, solar water pump systems and solar heating systems will be promoted under the policy.

Gupta added that, currently, eight private firms operate solar plants in Odisha with a combined installed capacity of 13MW while several others have expressed interest to develop projects in the future.

Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) would serve as a one-stop agency to approve new solar projects.

The state claims to have a solar energy potential, estimated at 10,000MW.