To generate up to 5,000 megawatts (MW) of cheaper electricity from solar panels, the government has started preliminary work and is committed to beginning generation within a year and a half. The initiative will reduce the average electricity price by almost 20%.
Senior Energy Department officials told sources that solar power is being used during the day, allowing the government to shut down the expensive 5,000MW electricity generated by thermal power plants.
Officials said that Introducing 5,000 MW of cheaper solar power into the system would lower the oil import bill and cut the average electricity tariff by about 20%.
When asked, the Secretary of Energy confirmed the development, adding: “We are working on the plan to generate 4,5005,000 MW of electricity from solar panels in more than a year.”
In this context, the implementation policy for the rapid construction of solar power plants will be ensured so that the government can stop the expensive daytime electricity generation from power plants with 50% load,” the state secretary said, adding it would reduce the average electricity price by around 20% reduction.
Nevertheless, the charging power plants would run at full speed at night.
He said the solar power tariff is about 3 to 3.5 cents per unit. Still, the government will conduct international bidding (ICB) for several solar power projects with a generation capacity of 5,000 MW.
After the ICB, the secretary said the government would be able to sign competitive contracts for solar power plants that can be as low as 3 cents per unit.
