Govt seeks views on new guidelines for solar projects

New Delhi: Government has sought views of developers and other stakeholders on the proposed amendment to the guidelines for setting up of over 2,000 MW grid-connected solar power projects with viability gap funding (VGF).

These projects are being set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

"Feedback from SPDs (solar power developers) and other stakeholders are invited on the proposed (amendments in the guidelines for implementation of) a scheme for setting up of over 2,000 MW grid-connected solar PV power projects with VGF under Batch-III of Phase II of the JNNSM," the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said.

The comments have been sought till October 23.

As per the proposed amendment, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) - set up by the government to facilitate implementation of JNNSM - will have the power to extend time for the financial closure and/or time for commissioning of the projects by up to three months.

"Delays in land allotment, connectivity etc in solar parks, will also be covered under this. For extension beyond the period of three months, SECI will approach MNRE...Who will be authorised to decide on further extension up to two months...," the ministry said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had in June approved setting up of over 2,000 MW of grid-connected solar PV power projects on build, own and operate basis by solar power developers with viability gap funding under Batch-III of Phase-II of JNNSM.

This would help generate 12,000 jobs in rural and urban areas and reduction of about 3.41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions into the environment every year.

Total investment expected under this scheme is around Rs 12,000 crore. The estimated requirement of funds to provide VGF for 2,000 MW capacity solar projects is estimated to be Rs 2,100 crore (Rs 1 crore/MW for open category and Rs 1.31 crore /MW for domestic content requirement category).

The Scheme will be implemented by SECI as per MNRE Guidelines. SECI will prepare bidding documents for inviting proposals for setting up of projects.