Leading hydro-power generator NHPC Ltd has firmed up plans to develop a 100 Mw solar park in Odisha. Opting for a staggered implementation, the central PSU, in the first phase, has invited bids from engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for installing a 40 Mw crystalline PV (photo voltaic) grid-connected solar power project in south Odisha’s Ganjam district. The selected developer will be responsible for ensuring the construction of a 132KV transmission line and evacuation arrangement over and above its core mandate of the plant’s operation and maintenance for 10 years. NHPC is trying to impress upon the state`s bulk power purchaser, Gridco, to buy 40 Mw power produced there. Gridco has signalled its preliminary consent for the power offtake. In 2018, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had accorded an in-principle approval to NHPC for development of 100 Mw solar park in the state. NHPC`s plan assumes significance as the state government, in its Renewable Energy Policy-2016, is planning to add 2,200 Mw capacity of solar energy by 2022. According to KPMG estimates, the envisaged solar capacity needs Rs 13,500 crore in investments. The central PSU has already commissioned a 50 Mw solar project in Tamil Nadu and another wind power project of equal capacity in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It has a set a target for at least 430 Mw of renewable energy as part of its green energy commitment