Coal India (CIL) and NLC India (NLCIL) will jointly develop solar power assets of 3,000 MW with a likely investment of around Rs 12,000 crore.
The two state-run companies will form a joint venture (JV) to develop 5,000 MW solar and thermal power assets across the country.
A solar JV is already in process of formation with an initial capital of Rs 10 lakh. Once the company is formed, the respective company boards will decide the final contours of the project. At present, solar capex for each MW is around Rs four crore.
The government plans to impose 20 percent basic customs duty on imported solar panels to boost domestic industry. The thermal power project will be taken up by a separate JV after due diligence.
CIL has already installed solar projects of 4.83 MW capacity and these plants are generating around 4.6 million units of renewable energy annually.
The JV aims to utilise core capabilities and infrastructure of CIL and NLCIL for creation of power assets to harness renewable sources of energy. The JV company will ensure sustainable growth and contribute to achieving the ambitious solar power programme of both companies.