A memorandum of understanding has been signed in this regard by NTPC, the administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in New Delhi.
The islands lie in south-east in the Bay of Bengal. These projects will be located at different locations in Port Blair, the capital of the islands and it is part of the Green Commitment to the Government of India.
The union government is also looking to reduce pollution across this tourist destination, caused by the diesel generators, which are primary source of power in the islands.
Establishing an energy storage system is also part of plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the region.
As per the present MOU, NTPC will install 8MW capacity solar plant at Chiria Tapu and another at Manglu Tan with 17MW capacity. These two solar plants will be linked to the Port Blair grid.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will bear 40% of the cost of this project through grants for special regions. The total capacity of 50MW will set up in phases, as directed by MNRE to NTPC.
Bidding process is expected to begin in the coming 5-6 months of time and the project is scheduled for completion in June 2018. But, the officials did not reveal the total estimated cost of the project.
Image: Officials from NTPC, Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration and MNRE at the MOU signing ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of NPTC Ltd.
