The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the MNRE’s proposal for setting up 12 GW grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects with VGF support of Rs. 8,580 crore .
The proposal seeks to implement “the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-ll for setting up 12,000 MW grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects, by the Government Producers with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support of Rs 8,580 crore for self-use or use by Government or Government entities, both Central and State Governments“, an official statement said.
The 12,000 MW or more capacity of grid connected solar power projects will be set up by the Government Producers in 4 years period, i.e. 2019-20 to 2022-23, as per the terms and conditions specified in Government Producer Scheme. It will see an investment of about Rs. 48,000 crores.
The Scheme will mandate use of both solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells and modules manufactured domestically as per specifications and testing requirements fixed by MNRE.
The Scheme will also help in giving a push to “Make-in-lndia” by encouraging Government Producers to procure solar cells and modules from domestic manufacturers.
The Scheme will create sufficient demand for domestically produced solar PV cells and modules for next 3 to 4 years.
The proposal for setting up 12,000 MW Solar Power Projects will provide direct employment to around 60,000 persons for about one year in pre-commissioning activities/ construction phase and around 18,000 persons for about 25 years in the operation and maintenance period said the statement.
In addition, more than 1,20,000 additional employment opportunities will be created for the local population by way of involvement in setting up of Solar Power Projects and also in manufacturing of domestically produced cells and modules.