Maharashtra will add 28.8 MW solar power to its energy portfolio

Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) is developing one of its largest photovoltaic based solar power plants with an installed capacity of 28.8 MW in the Satara district in Maharashtra.

The Plant will be spread over 130 Acres of land and is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The latest state of the art technology in photovoltaic based solar generation will be utilized for the plant. Tata Power – Distribution, the distribution arm of Tata Power, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a term of twenty-five years in order to purchase power from this solar plant, thereby meeting its solar renewable purchase obligations (RPO).

The power generated will be evacuated through Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Limited (MSETCL)’s network. The Company has the major purchase orders for EPC in place and intends to commission the entire Project capacity by December 2013.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Power, said, “Tata Power is committed to generating 20-25 % of its total generation capacity from clean energy sources and is proud to be developing one of the largest solar projects in the country. Tata Power strives to reduce its carbon footprint. We would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra and all our stakeholders for the support extended for setting up this solar power project at Palaswadi.”

The Company’s strategy emphasizes the development of clean energy generation from renewable sources to balance the carbon emissions from fossil fuel based generation capacity while contributing towards energy security of the country. Tata Power currently has four of its renewable projects registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) program by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These projects include the 50.4 MW Gadag project, the 50.4 MW Wind project at Khandke, and the 50.4 MW Wind project at Samana in Maharashtra. The fourth project is the 25 MW Solar project at Mithapur, Gujarat.

Tata Power Group presently has a strong portfolio of 30+ MW of Solar Power making it one of the largest solar power generators in India. The Company commissioned 25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power project at Mithapur, Gujarat and 3 MW at Mulshi, Maharashtra. Its subsidiary Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd has also commissioned a 1 MW grid-connected roof top solar plant in Delhi. A 60.48 KWP solar power plant has been functional on top of one of the building at its office in Carnac Bunder, Mumbai. The Company proposes to add 50 MW of solar power capacity every year.