The Indian Government has approved 15,000MW of grid connected solar power projects in the country as a part of the National Solar Mission.

The projects will be developed over three phases by the state-owned NTPC.

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) will execute the projects, which are likely to reduce the burning up of kerosene and diesel.

The cabinet release stated: "Successful completion of additional 15,000MW capacity of grid-connected solar photo voltaic power generation projects, mainly in the private sector, with largely private investment, under the National Solar Mission would accelerate the process of achieving grid tariff parity for solar power."

Under the first phase of the scheme, Tranche-I, the projects will be based on bundling of solar power with unallocated thermal power.

The bundled power generated through the projects will be divided among those states where the solar farms would be set-up.

"The bundled power generated through the projects will be divided among those states where the solar farms would be set-up."

Power will also be allotted to those who would buy solar energy for consumption within the state and ensure connectivity to the solar power project, the cabinet approval stated.

The bundling scheme will have a capacity of 3,000MW, one-third of which will be developed in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The remaining 2,000MW will be developed across other states that show interest in establishing the plants.

Out of the total generation capacity, a portion will be set aside for developing facilities equipped with domestically manufactured solar cells and modules.

Around 1,685MW of grid-connected solar power set ups have already been planned across the country, exceeding the 1,100MW target set under the first phase of the National Solar Mission (2010-2013).

Image: Union Cabinet approves 15,000MW of solar power developments in India. Photo: courtesy of franky242 / Freedigitalphotos.net.