National solar mission cleared; to generate 20,000 MW by 2022

This release is from the Doordarshan India website --
http://www.ddinews.gov.in/Homepage/Homepage+-+Headlines/SOLAR+MISSION.htm

NEW DELHI, INDIA: In an ambitious plan to meet energy demands, government on Thursday approved the national solar mission, which aims to generate 20,000 MW by 2022.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved launching of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar mission 'Solar India' at an estimated cost of Rs 4,337 crores.

"It is a forward-looking proposal," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said after the meeting.

The mission proposes to scale-up off-grid solar applications by installing another 2,000 MW capacity by 2022 including 20 million square metres solar power collective area and 20 million solar lines, she said adding that the mission will have a three-phased approach for solar energy applications in the country.

There will be an aggressive research and development department to reduce the cost and improve the overall performance of this field, she said noting a sum of Rs 385 crore will be spent on research and development.

Soni said the R&D department will carry out field-testing of emerging applications in solar energy and the first phase of the mission will be started carefully with proven applications.

For facilitating the early launch of the mission, the public sector Vidyut Vitraran Nigam, a subsidiary of NTPC, will be designated as a nodal agency for entering into power purchase agreement with the solar power developers, she added. (SS-19/11)