India to generate 1,000 megawatts of solar power by 2013: Abdullah

New Delhi (ANI) - India is all set to generate 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2013, in the first phase of the new solar power projects under Indian governments Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah said here on Sunday.

This programme will place India amongst the solar power harnessing nations, which features countries like Germany, Spain and Japan.

The project is being financed by public agencies including Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) along with Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

"A total of 1300 MW will be generated in the first phase, out of which 1000 MW solar power, 500 MW will be photovoltaic 500 MW will be solar thermal, 100 MW individual and 200 MW will be off-grid. This is the first phase. In total phases will be 20,000 MW by 2022," said Abdullah.

Abdullah and Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Power Minister, jointly released the guidelines for the selection of new solar power projects.

The power trading arm of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), has been appointed as the nodal agency for the sale and purchase of power under the solar mission.

Under this project, 50 percent of the power will be generated through solar photovoltaic cells and the other half will by solar thermal power and NVVN will have the authority to select the solar power plants based on both the technologies.

Shinde said that because of the amalgamation of technologies the overall cost of the generated electricity would be less in the future.

"This will reduce the rate if both are amalgamated and when you find out after amalgamation, the price will come just you see about four to five rupees," said Shinde.

Under the solar mission, the government has set a target of generating 20,000 MW of electricity through solar energy.

Shinde added, that this would be a major step for India for becoming the leaders in solar power generation.

"This is a step towards encouraging indigenous power generation, and as a mode of encouragement we are giving a mix-up power. The customary power will be implemented fully when in the coming two, three, four years the prices will reduce and there will be smooth power generation," added Shinde.

India currently produces less than 5 MW of solar power every year.

If India is able to achieve its target of 20 Gigawatts (GW) solar power by 2020 then, solar power would be equivalent to one-eighth of India's current installed power base.