New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS): The heavy industries ministry is preparing to take cabinet approval for a 500-MW solar power project to be set up by state-run heavy electricals major BHEL.

The Rs.3,700 crore project is proposed to have 40 percent funding from the National Clean Energy Fund, the source added.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Heavy Industries G.M. Siddeshwara told parliament Tuesday in a written reply that of the 84 thermal power units being implemented by BHEL, 47 are delayed for reasons not attributable to the company.

Twenty-three units are on hold owing to reasons like customer funds constraints, fuel availability and clearances, that is, also for factors not attributable to BHEL, the minister added.

"The main reasons for delays in completion of power projects include slow civil works, contractual issues, logistics, force majeure situations, law and order problem, etc," Siddeshwara said.

The company got this fiscal's first order in the power sector in September, and has got five orders worth Rs. 12,337 crore so far.