The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the A&N administration recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish 6MW Solar Power Plant in Andaman Islands. The MoU has been signed for conducting feasibility study as well as preparation of DPR for establishment of 5 MW Solar Power Plant in south Andaman and 1 MW Solar Power Plant in middle Andaman.
Mr. Kailash Chandra, Secretary (Power), A&N administration and Mr. R K Sikri, GM, NTPC signed the MoU.
While addressing the media Mr. Kailash Chandra told that, their administration is very keen to have this Solar Power Plant project implemented in these far-flung islands. The solar plant projects like this will reduce the HSD oil consumption and help in maintaining pollution-free environment in the islands, he added.
Mr. R K Sikri, general manager of NTPC told media that the DPR will be finalized by March 2010 and NTPC will try to have a presentation on the DPR in April 2010. He also added that the project is expected to be completed by year 2011.
The present installed power generating capacity in Andaman Islands is 68.46 MW, out of which 5.25 MW is hydropower. Renewable energy sources are important for development of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as the current generation using expensive diesel oil results in huge burden on the national ex-chequer, while being polluting.
Under the National Solar Mission recently approved by the cabinet, solar based power generation is being planned across the country. A target of 1000 MW by 2013 (phase I of the plan) has been set initially with an increase to 20,000 MW by 2022.
Click here for National Solar Mission
Source: Central Chronical
