India’s new climate plan aims to set 20 GW solar goal

India is making plans to unveil its first solar power target as early as September, according to Thomson Reuters. A draft of the plan looks to increase its solar output from nearly zero to 20 gigawatts by 2020.

The ambitious goal is part of a $19 billion, 30-year scheme that could boost India's leverage in international talks for a United Nations climate pact in December. Once fully implemented, the solar power would equate to one-eighth of India’s current installed power base, according to Reuters.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special climate panel has yet to formally adopt the National Solar Mission. But a draft of the plan indicates some states would be required to buy solar power.

The three-phase plan starts with 1 GW to 1.5 GW as well as measures to increase domestic manufacturing and decrease solar panel production costs. The draft estimates India could cut 42 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions with its new plan.

Companies that could benefit include Tata BP Solar, a joint venture between Tata Power and BP’s solar unit, BP Solar, Bharat Heavy Electricals, and Lanco Infratech (see Tata BP Solar sets billion-dollar ambition).

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