Relevance for UPSC: GS-III (Energy, Infrastructure, Environment)
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Parliamentary Standing Committee reports

Context

India’s expansion of utility-scale solar power is increasingly constrained by land acquisition challenges. To overcome this, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) are partnering with State governments to develop solar parks under the Solar Parks and Ultra-Mega Solar Power Projects Scheme.

Key Facts

• Solar parks approved: 55
• Parks via CPSU–State partnerships: 33
• Capacity of these parks: ~20.7 GW
• Total sanctioned capacity: ~40 GW
• Installed so far: ~14.9 GW
• Land needed: ~4–7 acres per MW

Why Land Is the Main Constraint

• Land is a State subject, limiting direct central intervention.
• Solar parks need large, contiguous land parcels.
• Key issues include fragmented ownership, delays in compensation, land-use conversion, proximity to forests or farmland, and weak grid connectivity.

Policy Response

• CPSUs such as NTPC Green Energy, NHPC and SJVN form joint ventures with States.
• States provide land and clearances; CPSUs bring finance and execution capacity.
• MNRE promotes use of government wasteland and better Centre–State coordination.

UPSC Value Box

Solar Parks and Ultra-Mega Solar Power Projects Scheme – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Institution:Central Public Sector Undertakings (NTPC Green Energy, NHPC, SJVN) in partnership with State governments

Land availability as a critical constraint in utility-scale renewable energy expansion

Q. With reference to solar parks in India, consider the following statements:

1. Large solar parks require land acquisition primarily handled by State governments.
2. CPSU–State partnerships are used to overcome land and clearance issues.
3. The Solar Parks scheme is implemented by NITI Aayog.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3