Now SEZ for renewable energy

The Centre has proposed to set up a special economic zone for renewable energy device manufacturers, at a proposed investment of Rs 30,000 crore (Rs 300 billion), according to Union Minister of State in charge of non-conventional energy, Vilas Muttemwar.

"Six states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have evinced keen interest in setting up the SEZ in their respective states," Muttemwar said, adding that the government was yet to decide in which state the SEZ would be set up.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an international power conference being held in Mumbai on Friday, Muttemwar said the SEZ will come up on 1,000-acres of land.

The SEZ would also generate 600 MW of renewable energy for captive purposes. The Union government is negotiating with developers for the proposed SEZ, the construction work for which is expected to commence within six months, he added.

A few overseas companies have also expressed their interest in the SEZ, the Minister said, adding that it will be built on PPP basis.