The government of the Indian state of Haryana has revealed plans to set up utility-scale solar power projects.
Haryana currently has little to no utility-scale solar power capacity operational under the state policy. The state did auction 150 MW solar power capacity last year but the project will expected to be installed in a neighbouring state where land is much cheaper.
Recently, the Chief Minister of the state announced that his government has identified prospective projects with cumulative capacity of 133 MW. No details, about the location or mode of allocation, are currently available.
The Chief Minister made this announcement at the inauguration of a 10 MW solar power project installed at a thermal power plant complex in the city of Panipat.
Earlier this year, the state government announced a solar power policy. The government announced that the new solar power policy will have a target of adding 4 GW capacity by 2022. This provides clarity to the project developers, who will know exactly how much demand for solar power is expected over the next few years.
The policy clarifies that the state will procure solar power in addition to what is mandated for it to acquire under the Renewable Purchase Obligation. To attract investments from private sector companies and entities, the policy exempts solar power projects from electricity duty and cross-subsidy charges.