The Odisha Government has declared the newly floated Green Energy Development Corporation (GEDCOL) as the nodal agency for on-grid solar energy projects in the State.
The State, which has been facing power shortage over the last few years, thanks to its over-reliance on hydro and thermal sources, is looking to tap solar energy in a big way to meet the deficit. The State has potential to generate about 10,000 MW solar energy.
Since solar power can be generated and distributed either on-grid or off-grid, the Energy department has decided to demarcate the role of agencies for both the sources.
Solar power generation and its connectivity to the grid will be easier for Energy department to handle which is why GEDCOL has been assigned as the nodal agency whereas off-grid generation such as solar cooking, pumping, refrigeration, heating and industrial process will be Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA)’s responsibility.
The demarcation of role will promote investment in renewable energy projects, especially on-grid solar energy sources so that commercial projects can be developed.
GEDCOL’s mandate will be to plan, organise and implement projects and sell power anywhere in the country with special emphasis on on-grid generation.
It will also conduct as well as facilitate technical soundness, pre-feasibility study and investigate renewable energy projects.
The corporation will also set up a task force comprising key functionaries of major departments to review status of the renewable energy projects and sort out bottlenecks. The Government had sought GEDCOL, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation, which was floated recently for development of green energy.
The State Government is also finalising a Solar Energy Policy and has sought feedback from various administrative departments, private agencies, voluntary organisations and public. Given Odisha’s climatic condition, the State can source solar power on 300 out of 365 days a year.
