Context: Union government has so far sanctioned development of solar projects with a capacity of nearly 39,000 MW and only a fourth have actually been commissioned so far.

• Total 57 solar parks of aggregate capacity of 39,285 MW were sanctioned.

• Solar power projects of 10,027 MW have been commissioned in these parks.

Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

• Scheme supports States/UTs to set up solar parks at various locations in country to create required infrastructure for setting up solar power projects.

• It facilitates and speeds up the installation of grid-connected solar power projects for electricity generation on a large scale.

• Land for Solar-park will be provided with all clearances, transmission systems, water access, road connectivity, communication network, etc.

• Launched and funded by- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

• All States and Union Territories can apply for this scheme.

Challenges

• Some solar parks had been cancelled due to their slow progress.

• Acquisition of land with clear title.

• There was mismatch in time taken to set up a project and infrastructure to route power produced to grid.

• Halt in economic activity due to COVID-19.

• Environmental issues like danger to bird Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

• To resolve this issue by laying underground cables is impractical and will raise cost of solar power.