Damodar Valley Corporation to Boost Solar Power Capacity to 4 GW by 2030

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), the state-run power utility operating in West Bengal and Jharkhand, plans to increase its solar power capacity to approximately 4,000 MW by 2030, with a capital expenditure of around INR 20,000 crore.

Currently, DVC, jointly owned by West Bengal, Jharkhand, and the Central Government, has an installed solar power capacity of around 14 MW. Its thermal power capacity stands at 6,540 MW. DVC Chairman S Suresh Kumar announced that, within a year, the solar power capacity is expected to rise to 350 MW, predominantly in Jharkhand.

The Kolkata-headquartered utility currently boasts a total installed capacity of about 6,700 MW. Looking ahead, DVC plans to invest INR 50,000- INR 60,000 crore by 2030 to add nearly 10,000 MW of capacity, combining both thermal and renewable sources.

"Power demand is surging in the North, South, and Western regions of the country. Our expansion strategy focuses on a sustainable mix of thermal and renewable power to maintain affordable power costs," Kumar said during the company’s 77th Foundation Day celebration.

DVC aims to add approximately 3,720 MW of installed capacity in the thermal sector by 2030.

Additionally, Kumar mentioned that DVC has approached the Union Power Ministry to implement a uniform power tariff for its consumers in West Bengal and Jharkhand. Presently, the respective state electricity regulatory commissions set the end-consumer tariffs. The average power tariffs for DVC's consumers are INR 5.58 per unit in West Bengal and INR 4.42 per unit in Jharkhand.

"We have raised this issue with the Ministry of Power, and it is currently under their consideration," Kumar added.

Recently, the Power Ministry has included the domestic thermal plants under the ambit of coal import advisory for 4 per cent blending till October 15. This move aimed to ensure adequate fuel supply during the monsoon season.