Mumbai, Jan 14 (PTI) In a move to boost solar energyproduction in Maharashtra, Mahavitaran, the power transmissioncompany of the state government, is planning to purchase 1000MW solar power this year.
Bids to purchase 1000 MW solar power have been invitedat Rs 3 per unit, an Energy department official told PTI overweekend.
As compared to solar power, thermal power is sold atRs 5 per unit, he said.
"Currently, the generation of solar power is veryminimum compared to traditional energy. This year, thegovernment is planning to boost solar power generation," theofficial added.
States of Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and AndhraPradesh are ahead of Maharashtra in generation of solar power,the official added.
At present, the solar power generation in Maharashtrais only 1,000 MW out of which 300 MW is produced by MahaGenco(Maharashtra State Electricity Board Co Limited).
Under the Chief Minister's Solar Agri Feederprogramme, solar power pumps with the capacity of 7000 MW willbe set up for the agriculture purpose.
At present, such agriculture pump sets having 5500 MWcapacity have been set up.
"This year, the government is planning to set upfloating solar panels on water reservoirs to produce solarenergy, the official said, adding that the floating solarpanel on Ujni dam in Solapur district will be the first suchsolar power generation scheme in the state.
He said global tenders for the project would beinvited soon.
Water conservation department has set the target of1000 MW solar energy from the Ujni dam. PTI MRNSK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.