A new type of power station in India is to be constructed in the western state of Gujarat to meet growing demand from solar and wind energy sources.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2021, according to state-run energy ministry.
Solar thermal power plants will be constructed at the Ganga, Yamuna and Ghaggar hills, which are currently occupied by gas-fired plants, and the power station will be powered by the power generated by the solar thermal plant, according a statement by the ministry.
A power station on the Yamuna river, which is the main waterway for irrigation in the state, will be the site of the new gas-powered power plant, which will be located in the town of Rajkot, located about 250 kilometres (155 miles) west of Ahmedabad.
The state has also been developing solar thermal plants to meet increasing demand for power.
The state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corp. has been constructing a solar thermal power plant on the Ganges, the world’s largest river.
The new solar thermal station will generate solar power in a 1,000-megawatt capacity.
India has about 4,000 solar thermal units.
Solar energy has also become a major industry in Gujarat, accounting for a third of the state’s electricity demand.
Solar power has also helped reduce air pollution, the statement added.