Maharashtra cabinet clears 'maha' solar power project

The state cabinet on Friday approved the setting up of a 150mw solar power project touted as the largest in the world. The project, being constructed at Shivaji Nagar in Dhule district, is expected to be commissioned before March 31 next year.

The state-government controlled Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco), which already has commissioned two other solar energy projects in Chandrapur, will be in charge of this venture.

The cost for these projects is Rs1,987 crore, of which 20% or Rs397 crore will be borne by the state. The other 80% will be loaned from M/S KFW, a German financial institution.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said that while the purchase rate finalised by MERC is Rs17.90 per unit, it will cost Rs12 per unit to generate power from the project.