Country would be benefiting from 750 MW of solar power if government clarifies new policy, says FAPCCI.
Indian Solar Power projects capable of producing over 750 MW of clean, renewable energy for the country have been stalled after a breakdown in communication, regarding government’s policy on the issue.
The state government announced its new Solar Power policy on 26 September last year, which outlined the government’s desire to push for more renewable energy to be made available in the country. Following the announcement of the scheme, applications to supply solar generators that would create over 750 MW of clean energy were submitted to the government, with more in the pipeline. As of now, not a single one of these submissions has been approved.
Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) maintain that the reason for this stall in proceedings is because the policy did not envisage any investment subsidy from the government or the power utilities.
In a press release on Tuesday, FAPCCI stated that “to the utter discomfiture of the industry and solar power developers, the clearances and much needed clarifications and rules, as required by the policy, have not been forthcoming.”
According to FAPCCI, clarity is required on technical issues pertaining to banking of power, wheeling agreements, transmission and wheeling charges, cross subsidy and maximum demand related charges and rules. “These are very essential for effective implementation of the policy. If these issues are cleared, 1000 MW of power capacity could be created in six months.”
