DVC to Sun Power Up: ₹20,000 Crore for 4,000 MW Solar by 2030

State-run Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) plans to boost its solar power capacity to around 4,000 MW by 2030, with a capital expenditure of approximately ₹20,000 crore. Currently, DVC has an installed solar capacity of 14 MW and a thermal capacity of 6,540 MW. Within a year, the company expects to ramp up its solar capacity to 350 MW, primarily in Jharkhand, according to Chairman S. Suresh Kumar. Headquartered in Kolkata, DVC's total installed capacity is around 6,700 MW.

The company aims to invest between ₹50,000-₹60,000 crore by 2030 to add nearly 10,000 MW of capacity. Kumar emphasized that power demand is growing strongly in the North, South, and Western regions, and DVC is expanding sustainably with a mix of thermal and renewable power to keep costs affordable. In the thermal sector, DVC will add about 3,720 MW of installed capacity by 2030.

DVC has also approached the Union Power Ministry to implement a uniform power tariff for consumers in West Bengal and Jharkhand. The respective electricity regulatory commissions of the two states currently decide on end-consumer power tariffs. Presently, the average power tariffs for DVC’s end-consumers are ₹4.42 per unit in West Bengal and ₹5.58 per unit in Jharkhand.

This move aims to streamline the tariff system across its command area, which spans both states. The proposal is currently under examination by the Ministry of Power, as confirmed by Kumar during DVC's 77th Foundation Day celebrations.

Regarding whether this project involves a contract or tender, further investigation or official announcement would be necessary to confirm its status.

News by Rahul Yelligetti