New Delhi, Dec 03: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (Bhel) will invest upto Rs 45 crore in next two years to scale up solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to 15 mega watts from current level of two mw per annum. "We are planning to invest about Rs 35-45 crore to enhance our capacity for terrestrial solar photovoltaic modules," Ramji Rai, executive director of Bhel-Electronics Division told here.

Bhel has also entered into an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation for fabrication and delivering space quality batteries for use in satellites, he said.

After having commissioned the largest island electrification project using solar power in Lakshwadeep, the company is now eyeing rapid electrification drive for rural areas in various states. "While world growth rate of solar power has been very high, India is likely to witness about 20-25 per cent growth in coming years," he said adding that the division was gearing up to meet this demand especially with rural electrification drive.

The company has also exported modules to Germany and Australia and is keenly eyeing overseas contracts on account of its capacity enhancement.

Bureau Report