The West Bengal government is planning to set up a 250 MW solar power project, which is likely to come up near the Purulia Pumping Storage Project (PPSP) at Baghmundi, in Purulia district of the state.
The proposal to set up this project, estimated to cost Rs 1,700 crore, has already been placed before the Centre for its approval.
However, it has been learned that the Centre has agreed to give in-principle approval for the project. The major hurdle that is likely to affect this mega solar project is the issue of availability of land and funds and requisite approval from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Around 700 acre of land will be required for the project. Matters related to the location of the project are yet to be decided. The state government is looking for locations such as PPSP at Baghmundi or Thurga for setting up this project.
The DPR for the project is being prepared and the state government is planning to get assistance under the national clean energy funds to execute the project.
Apart from this, Ashden India will prepare a rooftop solar power policy for Kolkata. Funds worth Rs 22 lakh have been sanctioned through DFID for preparing the policy.