MP to build world's largest solar power plant

The Madhya Pradesh government is planning to invest Rs 4,000-5,000 crore to build the world’s largest solar power plant, a top government official said.

Talking to DH, Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anthony J C de Sa said, “Asia’s largest solar power plant of 135 mW in Neemuch is operational in the state, while the world’s largest solar power plant of 750 mW in Rewa District (North-East of MP) is under tendering process.”

“We have alloted 2,500 acres of land and special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been formed for the project. The tendering process will be taken up via online platform within a week. We are expecting to complete the project in the next 18 months. Our investment in renewable energy makes the state an ideal destination for companies that are venturing into renewable energy equipment or system production,” de Sa added.

When asked, why Rewa has been selected, de Sa said the sheet rock present in the area cannot be used for agriculture. “Also, we can’t put up these plants in the forest areas,” he said.

As per the procedure, the government has shortlisted 13 bidders out of the total 18. According to the official, the final bidder will be announced soon.

Madhya Pradesh is a pioneering state which has increased its renewable energy installed capacity seven-folds in the last five years. According to de Sa, it increased 332 mW in FY 2011 to 2,567 mW in FY 2016.

De Sa also added that with the government’s new policy initiatives, the installed renewable energy capacity will further increase by five times in the next three to four years. The Madhya Pradesh government is executing 9,382 mW capacity addition this year.