Solar mission to address major issues like funding: Farooq

The 'Solar Mission' to be announced by prime minister Manmohan Singh would address major issues like funding for new and renewable energy and Central subsidy to state governments, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said here today.

"We believe the cost of solar power to be around Rs 18 per unit.. out of which Rs 10 will be given by Central government. We are planning to do this scheme. As soon as the solar mission is out, we will know how much quantum we need for spending," he said. 

Abdullah was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of the manufacturing facility of Finland-based renewable energy firm Winwind Power Energy Pvt Ltd at Vengal in Tiruvallur district, about 55 kms from here.

Stating that solar energy was "expensive", he said that his ministry was conducting a feasibility study on generating 50 MW of solar power. "Once the Solar Mission is out on November 14, all these things (on the usage of solar power, funding for its generation) will be cleared", he said.

A committee under his ministry has been holding discussions with various ministries on the matter. Suggestions made by members of the mission would be incorporated in the final report, which would be presented to the prime minister.