GMDC to Promote Green Energy Development

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), a Public Sector Undertaking of the Gujarat State, has declared its intention to invest INR 200 crores in solar energy development. Earlier the company had announced its plans to increase its wind power production to 110 MW from the current 100 MW.

The corporation has decided to set up its 10 MW solar power project in the Kutch region where the company has land for mining development. In the first phase of its wind power development, GMDC had commissioned its 19.5 MW wind plant located at Maliya in Rajkot region. In its second phase the company is planning to set up a 40 MW wind farm at Jodiya in Jamnagar by October this year. The third phase projected in Porbandar and Kutch is expected to take on its total wind power production to 100 MW. GMDC had inducted around 110 crores during the first phase and has announced its plans to invest an additional amount of INR 490 crores in the rest of the phases. The PSU has set aside INR 800 crores exclusively for its green energy program which includes its announcement of INR 200 crores for the solar energy program. The company has set a goal to invest around INR 600 crore exclusively in wind energy sector before March 2011 and INR 200 crore in solar energy before March 2012.

VS Gadhvi, GMDC’s Vice Chairman, said that the company has added 10 MW to its wind power production capacity in tone with the company’s policy to stress on green energy projects. He added that his company is already in touch with Gujarat Energy Development Agency and continuing its negotiations on power purchase agreement.