The Central Government is gearing up to launch a new solar power policy, Solar Mission, incorporating a slew of concessions and ‘lot of financial inputs’ for those involved in the manufacture of solar power generation equipment.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said here on Wednesday that the new policy would be announced on November 14, the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, but refused to divulge any details of the new policy except for claiming “it is very good”.
He was speaking after formally releasing the brochure SolarCon India 2009, the global exhibition-cum-conference on solar energy related issues slated to be held in Hyderabad from November 9 to 11. The event, expected to see participation of 75 exhibitors and 500 delegates, will be hosted by Fabcity with India Semiconductor Association and Semiconductor Equipment & Materials International.
Dr. Abdullah said he would take up with Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee the issue of reducing the customs and other levies being imposed on manufacturing solar power devices shortly.
The Government was planning to extensively use solar and renewable energy sources in places like Tirupati, Shirdi, Ajmer and other religious sites which were thronged by large number of people “so that people can see the benefits” of their use.
