The government is in the process of formulating a new scheme for solar pumps to promote standalone solar off-grid pumps with an objective of replacing existing diesel pump sets.

According to an official statement after the meeting of Consultative Committee attached to Ministries of Power and New and Renewable Energy in Guwahati, a new Scheme for solarisation of grid connected solar pumps is also being formulated for areas where agriculture feed is separated.

The meeting focused on the functioning of NHPC and implementation of the Solar Rooftop Programme and the Solar Pumps Programme.

Speaking at the meeting, Miniser of State (Independent Charge) for Power and Renewable Energy, RK Singh said that Hydro projects have relatively longer useful plant life and help in providing inexpensive power in long term and is ideal for meeting peaking load and as a spinning reserve.

Also the event, Chairman and Managing Director at NHPC Limited, Balraj Joshi, said that they are closer to completing 14,000.5 MW of hydro, solar and thermal projects.

An official statement said that out of these, 3 hydro projects with a capacity of 3130 MW and one solar project of 50 MW in Tamil Nadu are under construction. One hydro project of 1000 MW of a JV Company, CVPPL, has got clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and re-tendering is under finalisation.

This is in addition to commissioning of 22 projects of 6691.2 MW (including joint ventures), and 14 projects of 9167.5 MW are at various stages of clearances for their implementation.

Six hydro projects of 553 MW are in the pipeline for preparation of feasibility report and another 3 hydro projects of 805 MW are on anvil.

NHPC is envisaging addition of 150 MW Solar Projects in association with SECI. NHPC has expanded its objective of developing renewable source of energy by commissioning 50 MW wind project in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan, Joshi added.

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