MNRE Extends Timeline for Ultra Mega Solar Park Program

The 'Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects' programme now has a deadline of March 31, 2026 (FY 2026), as opposed to the former deadline of FY 2024, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). There are no financial consequences to the longer schedule. It occurs at a time when the construction of the solar power park has been extremely slow, with only nine of the 57 permitted solar parks completed as of February 2023 and an additional eight halfway installed, with a combined capacity of 10,117 MW. The programme, which was initially implemented in December 2014, was launched with the goal of establishing at least 25 solar parks and 20 GW ultra mega solar power plants within five years beginning with FY 2014–15. In March 2017, the program's capacity was raised to 40 GW, and it was suggested that parks be constructed by FY 2023–2024. In order to qualify for the programme, solar parks must have a capacity of 500 MW or more. Smaller parks are only taken into consideration in cases where there is a severe lack of contiguous or non- agricultural land. The programme was put in place to promote the quick installation of grid-connected solar power projects for massive electricity production. As they addressed the issues of land acquisition and availability, solar parks were appealing. Solar parks have fewer potential legal problems and other obstacles, which makes them a financially viable choice for developers.