Energy boost: Gujarat to get 950 mw of solar power

Keeping in mind the increasing dependence on fossil fuels for power generation, the Solar Energy Association of Gujarat was formed on Tuesday at AMA, in the presence of Dr JJ Irani, director, Tata Sons.

Pranav Mehta, founder chairman of the association said, "Eighty companies have signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for generation of 950 mw of solar power in state. The implementation of these PPAs would help the state hold numero uno position among other states in solar power generation." All the agreements are to be implemented by December 31, 2011.

Starting with a team of 15 members, the association plans to add around 50 members in the first year. Citing the example of steel being costlier than gold at a point in time, Irani said, "Despite solar power being costlier than other energy resources, it should be viewed as an investment and not as a cost. The benefits reaped in the future would definitely be higher."

"Where Gujarat has the required potential for generating solar power, there is a need to find solutions for conservation of solar energy. Though not immediately, but the solution for conservation of solar energy would emerge by next decade," added Irani.

The association is working on options for land availability for solar development. Also present at the seminar was R Ramakrishnan, vice-chairman of the association.