Mumbai – India’s minister for renewable energy said they will be launching an ambitious plan to improve the country’s generation of solar power from only 3 MW to an astounding 20,000 MW in 2022.
"The amount which we are going to talk about is huge. I can only say that much," said Farooq Abdullah to reporters. He also added Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be announcing the new policy by next week.
Known as "the National Solar Mission" in official circles, this policy framework will highlight the high manufacturing cost of solar panels and high cost of solar power.
One rough rule is that a coal-based power plant with a capacity of one megawatt could cost about $1 million in construction, while the cost is double for solar capacity.
“Our job is to bring the costs down. Whether we are going to give concession on import duties, whether we are going to give a sizeable subsidy to purchase solar power, all will be outlined in the mission”, Abdullah said.
There is a critical shortage in electricity in India, with its peak power at 12 percent below the actual demand. Blackouts are very common and many businesses rely on generators.
India has planned to create 78,700 megawatts in power capacity within five years until 2012; however, top officials have calculated the target will not be reached.
"The amount which we are going to talk about is huge. I can only say that much," said Farooq Abdullah to reporters. He also added Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be announcing the new policy by next week.
Known as "the National Solar Mission" in official circles, this policy framework will highlight the high manufacturing cost of solar panels and high cost of solar power.
One rough rule is that a coal-based power plant with a capacity of one megawatt could cost about $1 million in construction, while the cost is double for solar capacity.
“Our job is to bring the costs down. Whether we are going to give concession on import duties, whether we are going to give a sizeable subsidy to purchase solar power, all will be outlined in the mission”, Abdullah said.
There is a critical shortage in electricity in India, with its peak power at 12 percent below the actual demand. Blackouts are very common and many businesses rely on generators.
India has planned to create 78,700 megawatts in power capacity within five years until 2012; however, top officials have calculated the target will not be reached.
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