AMN
The Union Cabinet today decided to enhance solar power capacity from 20,000 Mega Watt to 40,000 Mega Watt for development of solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects. Briefing media in New Delhi after the Cabinet meeting, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said, the enhanced capacity will ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 Mega Watt and above in various parts of country. He said, solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects will be set up by 2019-20 with government’s support of 8,100 crore rupees. This will lead to abatement of around 55 million tonnes of CO2 per year over its life cycle.
Mr Goyal said, the decision will contribute to long-term energy security of the country and generate large direct and indirect employment. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved investment proposal for generation component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in Nepal by SJVN Limited. Mr Goyal said, the decision demonstrates government’s commitment to promote clean and green energy in India and the sub continent. This project will generate 900 Megawatt of hydro power at an estimated cost of 5723.72 crore rupees.
The project is expected to achieve financial closure by September this year and be implemented in five years thereafter. The Cabinet also approved an MoU between India and Australia for cooperation in civil aviation security. Government also approved signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. Signing of the Air Services Agreement between India and Greece was also given the nod today.