India’s Solar Tenders Surpass 20 GW Of Capacity
Originally published on sister site Cleantechies.
The Indian Minister for New and Renewable Energy recently gave an update about the solar power capacity tendered so far in the country.
Piyush Goyal, who heads the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, reported to the Indian Parliament that a total of 20,766 MW capacity in solar tenders have so far been floated. Almost all, if not all, of these tenders are for solar PV technology, with the ministry much less enthusiastic about concentrated solar power due to the poor performance of initial projects.
The minister reported that power purchase agreements for 8,482 MW of capacity have already been signed. It is, however, not clear if this includes the installed capacity of 8,062 MW in place as of 31 July 2016.
Letters of Intent have been issued for a capacity of 3,392 MW, while financial bids have been opened for 1,930 MW. Bids for 6,962 MW are yet to be opened.
The ministry has set a target to add 12 GW solar power capacity this financial year, which is the most ambitious target ever announced for the sector.
The Indian government is looking to install large-scale solar projects in the form of solar parks around the country. At present, the ministry has approved solar parks in 21 states, with a cumulative capacity of 19,900 MW. Phase two of the program will add another 20 GW of capacity — this phase may be implemented through the introduction of solar zones.
Related:
India’s Renewable Energy & Coal Minister Talks Energy Transition (CleanTechnica Exclusive)
India: Let’s Make All Vehicles Electric!
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