BANGALORE, India — The world's largest solar power project is reportedly being planned for the state of Gujarat in western India at a cost of about $5 billion. Total power generation capacity is expected to reach 5 gigawatts.

The U.S.-based Clinton Foundation is reportedly in talks with the state government to establish an "Integrated Solar City" able to produce the raw materials needed for solar-based power generation, including glass and solar panels.

According to a report in Business Standard on Friday (Aug. 8) from Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, an unnamed senior state government official was quoted as saying the cost of materials for the huge project will be much less than previous power generation projects. The official also said the project could reduce the cost of power generation from 25 cents per unit to 10 cents.

The state government has recruited John Byrne, University of Delaware professor of public policy and Nobel Prize winner, to develop a solar energy roadmap for the state.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton's foundation, supported by corporate giants like Microsoft and GE Energy, wants to use its $12 billion kitty to finance "green" energy initiatives. The Clinton Foundation is also talking with state officials in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan about establishing other solar power projects, the report said.

Several major solar panel manufacturing plants have been proposed here, with a total investment of about $17 billion. The projects are awaiting government approval and tax breaks.