- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects.
- The enhanced capacity will ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in various parts of the country.
- All the States/UTs are eligible for benefits under the scheme.
- The Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects will be set up by 2019-20 with Union Government’s financial support of 8100 crore rupees.
- These plants after becoming operational will generate total 64 billion units of clean electricity per year.
- It will lead to abatement of around 55 million tonnes of CO2 per year over its life cycle.
- It will also contribute to long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reduction in carbon emissions and carbon footprint.
- It will also generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities in solar and allied industries like heavy industrial equipment, glass, metals etc.
- The solar parks will also provide productive use of abundant uncultivable lands which in turn facilitate development of the surrounding areas.
- Under the scheme, solar parks will be developed in collaboration with States/UTs.
- The States/UTs are required to select the Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD) for developing and maintaining the solar parks.