The Clinton Foundation has proposed a solar thermal power project of about 5,000 megawatt (MW) power in Gujarat. Around 8,000 to 13,000 hectares of land will be required to set up this project. The location for the project is yet to be identified, and the foundation intends to set up in Kutch or in Banaskantha and Patan districts of north Gujarat. The foundation has also proposed for setting up a solar park in the state’s special economic zone (SEZ).
Ira Magaziner, the chairman of the Clinton Climate Initiative, called on Chief Minister Narendra Modi on June 8, 2009.
Magaziner reported to Modi that the foundation is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government as a technology partner and project infrastructure developer for the proposed project. He has also given assurance to the government that the foundation is also ready to arrange for finances to fund the project.
“The Foundation is looking for low-cost financing from several international agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to fund the project. Besides, we have already initiated a dialogue with some 15 global companies inviting them to set up solar power generation and component manufacturing units in the proposed park in Gujarat,” Magaziner said.
“The project will require a huge quantum of water. Hence, we will prefer only that area which has water facility,” Magaziner added.
Although the foundation work primarily in the field of health and development of environment-friendly solar energy, its role in the proposed project will be that of a technology partner and infrastructure developer.
The main players in the project will be the state government and prospective investors of international repute.
Clinton Foundation is headed by former US President Bill Clinton.