Mega solar projects in the offing

Guntur: Several mega solar projects are to be launched shortly in the privileged capital district. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is evincing interest in setting up a 300 mw solar power plant. It has already approached the Guntur district administration for 1,500 acres of land for the massive solar power plant, which will cost Rs 2,000 crore. This is the power major's giant feat in the State on the solar front. NTPC has a thermal power project in Visakhapatnam.

• NTPC to set up 300 mw plant costing Rs 2,000 cr
• Seeks 1,500 acres of land from the government
• Soft Bank of Japan planning another 1,000 mw unit
• State govt also considering a plan for solar park

The solar project being planned in Guntur is the first of the kind. The AP Transco has offered to pay Rs 6.49 paise per unit of solar power to be produced by NTPC, but the latter is demanding Rs 7 per unit. Once land is allotted and the tariff issue is sorted out, NTPC is said to be ready to lay foundation stone in early 2015.

According to reliable sources, Guntur district is being actively considered for the location of another giant solar power project by the Soft Bank of Japan. The bank recently promised Naidu to set up a 1,000 mw solar plant in the State. The project, according to reliable official sources, is likely to be set up in the district if land is made available. Another proposal for setting up a 'Solar Park' in the district is under the government’s consideration. Plans are on to allocate 500 acres for the park so small players can be accommodated in it.