The Odisha government is planning several solar power projects to enhance the renewable energy generation in the state.

The government has directed officials to work out a detailed road map with time frames to enhance solar power generation on a commercial basis.

The Green Energy Development Corporation (GEDCOL) and the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) will adopt the latest technology to reduce the cost of production.

The state needs to produce 1,500 MW solar power by 2022 to meet the renewable power obligation (RPO). At present, Odisha is capable of generating solar power at a competitive price of around Rs 2.71 per unit and hence, it is commercially feasible to ramp up the production.

Solar power plants with a total capacity of 474 MW have been installed by GEDCOL and OREDA in different parts of the state. Also, OREDA has projects in the pipeline that will generate 460 MW solar power.

GEDCOL will set up four solar parks in Sambalpur and Boudh districts with a total capacity of 272 MW. It will also set up floating solar power projects, with a total capacity of 500 MW, on large reservoirs in partnership with NHPC.

GEDCOL has expedited steps to set up rooftop solar power plants with a total capacity of 19 MW and other similar ground-based plants with a capacity of eight MW.