NTPC to set up 5,000-MW ultra mega solar park in Gujarat, Rajasthan

NTPC, India’s largest power producer, is planning to set up ultra mega solar parks (UMSPs) of 5,000 MW capacity across solar radiation-rich states of Gujarat and Rajasthan to help India meet its 2022 renewable energy target, and to reduce its overall dependence on fossil fuel. NTPC chairman and MD Gurdeep Singh said the first ultra mega solar park will come up in Kutch district of Gujarat, while the next is planned in Rajasthan. “We have identified the location, and the process for acquisition of land will start soon in Kutch. We plan to invite the bids for the first phase of the park by March 2020,” Singh said.

NTPC will not just invest in development of these UMSPs, but will also act as an enabler to invite investment from developers and investors who can also buy power from the projects if required. This is in deviation from the previous model where developers were not allowed to invest in solar parks.