Bengaluru: The state government is hoping to  add 1,000 MW power to its grid in the next 18 months. Speaking to reporters here after signing a pact with the public sector Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI) here on Wednesday, Energy Minister Mr D.K. Shivakumar said that SECI will be setting up grid connected solar projects across 60 taluks on Build Own Operate(BOO) basis, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

All the five ESCOMs in Karnataka on Wednesday inked a pact with SECI on the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for purchase of solar power over a period of 25 years.  The SECI will sell solar power at a low tariff of  Rs 4.50.

Under the arrangement, SECI is also planning to  develop 1,000 MW solar projects in more taluks  to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing state energy security challenges, the minister added.