Thursday, July 11, 2013: In an effort to boost the solar power production in the state, the government of Odisha has decided upon formulating a solar power policy. The new standards aim at streamlining the utilization, management and production of solar energy in the state according to officials. According to the science and technology minister, the state government has sought suggestions from various private and government institutions regarding the same. With the next verification, the valuable suggestions will be incorporated within the draft and the final policy will be launched within the next few months.
Sources say that the climate of Odisha is perfectly suited to solar power production and that energy could be produced and stored for more than 300 days a year. Besides, the state also has a potential to engage in power production of 5.5 KWh per square meter every day. The revised policy will be focusing on various provisions been given to the private investors to produce photo voltaic energy while the same would be used in solar heating systems and water pump stations. There are a number of private players who have started the use of solar cells for energy generation but on a very low scale.
According to the National Solar Mission, the center aims at production of 20,000 MW of solar power by the end of the 13th five year plan and in the gap of next three years, Odisha has its own plans to produce at least 80 MW. The energy potential for the state is however around 12,000 MW according to sources.
