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1,000 MW to be installed under Indian national solar mission

The Indian government has unveiled its Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) guidelines.

India is looking to achieve grid parity. Image: Canasia Solar Corp.

Under them, it states that 1,000 megawatts (MW) of grid connected solar projects are to be developed during phase one, which is due to be completed by 2013. Of this total, 500 MW will come from photovoltaic (PV) projects; solar thermal will make up the remaining 500 MW.

It is hoped that by 2022 the guidelines will have helped India achieve grid parity.

The total aggregated capacity of the grid connected solar projects will be developed under a "bundling scheme" in phase one of JNNSM, according to the guidelines. The 1,000 MW capacity is inclusive of the capacity that may come up under the Migration Guidelines already issued. Projects will be selected in such a manner so as to provide for deployment of both PV technology projects and solar thermal technology projects in a ratio of 50:50, in MW terms.

Regarding the selection process for large projects, the guidelines explained: "In order to prevent bunching of large capacities and the difficulty that may arise in achieving financial closure, it is proposed that selection of PV projects be done in a phased manner. The allocation of capacities would be done in two batches and over two financial years of phase one i.e., 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.

"The total capacity of solar PV projects to be selected in the first batch i.e., in FY 2010-11 shall be limited to 150 MW. The projects for remaining capacity for solar PV projects will be selected in second batch, i.e., in FY 2011-12. However, given the longer gestation period of solar thermal projects, selection of projects for entire capacity of 500 MW, less capacity of migrated projects, shall be done in FY 2010-11."

The objective of the JNNSM is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country "as quickly as possible". The mission has set a target of 20,000 MW and stipulates implementation and achievement of the target in three phases - first phase up to 2012-13, second phase from 2013 to 2017 and the third phase from 2017 to 2022 - for various components, including grid connected solar power.

The guidelines continued: "The successful implementation of the JNNSM requires the identification of resources to overcome the financial, investment, technology, institutional and other related barriers which confront solar power development in India. The penetration of solar power, therefore, requires substantial support. The policy framework of the Mission will facilitate the process of achieving grid parity by 2022."

To read the guidelines, click here.