Welspun Energy Ltd has commissioned a 15-MW solar photovoltaic power project in Rajasthan, well ahead of time.
The $3-billion Welspun Group has been developing and operating power projects across India. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, it is operating 64 MW power plants.
The company won three projects worth 50 MW capacity at the auction under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, and has completed the first. The remaining two projects of 15 MW and 20 MW are close to completion, the company said, adding that the entire 50 MW capacity would be commissioned in the coming weeks, much ahead of their contractual schedule of February 26, 2013.
“During the auction, 27 bidders were awarded projects to be implemented in various parts of the country. Welspun Solar AP Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Welspun Energy, emerged as the only successful bidder for the 50 MW capacity, the maximum capacity allowed to a single bidder,” said an official.
The 50 MW solar projects would reduce carbon emissions to the extent of 78,000 tonnes annually. The projects are situated in Phalodi Tehsil of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan.
“The three solar projects are expected to generate total electricity of 90 million kWh in a year,” the company said in a statement.
Welspun had quoted a tariff of Rs 8.14/ unit for the first 15 MW unit. The 50 MW projects are set to produce energy enough to light up 2.5 lakh homes.
The company has also won a 130-MW solar PV project in Madhya Pradesh, which will be the largest solar project to be developed by any company in India. The project would be commissioned by end of 2013, the company said.
The company is also developing 2,000 MW thermal plant in Madhya Pradesh; 660 MW plant in Maharashtra; 200 MW solar plant in Rajasthan; 100 MW solar power plant in Gujarat and 100 MW solar power plant in Madhya Pradesh.
Over the next three years, the company expects to generate 6,000 MW of thermal power, 500 MW of solar power and 500 MW of hydro power.
amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in