By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 8, 2015 : The Odisha government has set an ambitious target of producing 300-500 MW of solar energy by 2019-20, energy minister Pranab Prakash Das on Tuesday said in the assembly while replying to a question.

“Though as per the estimate made by the Central government the state has a scope to generate about 2500 MW of solar energy but because of the capping to purchase solar power at a cost of Rs 7.25 and then provide it through grid connectivity to the people, it’s not possible considering the cost factor under the present circumstances. Therefore it is being done gradually through Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO),” Das told the House.

“We have identified land through Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) to set up units to generate about 150 MW of solar power in a phased manner. We target to produce about 300-500 MW solar energy by 2019-20,” the Minister said.