The first dedicated SEZ for manufacture of renewal energy devices and systems would hang fire for indefinite time. Even the minister of new and renewal energy Vilas Muttembar does not know when his plan to set up the SEZ would take shape. As per government plans, the ministry had decide on the anchor company by the end of 2007.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Muttembar said, “We had decided to find a location for the SEZ near Nagpur a year ago. But, we faced problems regarding land acquisition. Therefore, we have decided to review our decision.”

States that showed interest include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But the ministry was considering only those states with port facility. Later, Maharashtra got the green signal for the SEZ .

About a year ago, the ministry had estimated an investment of about $2 billion in the first phase of the project. It had the potential to attract up to $5 billion in subsequent phases. This SEZ was to be completed in five years. As per the ministry’s plan, more than 500 production units were to be accommodated. There was a provision of captive power plants for production units. But proposals for setting up power generation plants were not eligible.