SCCL to take up solar energy projects

N. Balaram, the Chairman and MD of SCCL said that Singareni Collieries has successfully entered the thermal and solar sector along with coal production.
SCCL officials have been advised to take up solar projects in other states to promote non-conventional energy sources. During the review meeting on SCCL’s thermal and solar power projects, he had a comprehensive discussion with officials.
He ordered SCCL to enter the solar energy sector in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and other states to undertake commercial projects and if possible joint venture projects too. Soon a team of officials will visit the respective states, conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report.
At the same time, it was clarified that the remaining 76 MW of the 300 MW solar plants planned by SCCL in the first phase would be completed by March end. The TS government has assured that it will provide full support to SCCL’s solar projects. Plans would be made to set up solar plants on reservoirs in the state as well as canals.
Director (E&M) D. Satyanarayana Rao said that in the second phase, 232 MW plants will be undertaken by the company. Chairman and MD N. Balaram said that the tender process should be completed as soon as possible.
He said that if this project can be completed, the company will be able to meet its electricity needs through solar plants and thus it will be recognized as the first zero-energy coal company.
He said that the tender process for the 800 MW supercritical thermal plant to be set up on the premises of the Singareni thermal plant would be completed soon.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said that 12 per cent of the energy needs of the state can be met through the Singareni thermal plant and that assistance will be provided for the establishment of the 800 MW plant.
The CMD inquired about the progress of the flue gas desulphurisation plant work being built under the auspices of the Singareni Thermal Power Plant for Rs 700 crore.
Officials said that 852 million units of electricity have been produced with the already completed 224 MW solar plants. 60521 million units of electricity have been connected to the grid through the 1200 MW thermal power station.