With an emphasis on promoting renewable energy and advancing towards achieving the net zero vision, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will ceremonially lay the foundation stone for the 300 MW Solar Power Plant virtually tomorrow.

NLC India Limited, a leading Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Coal, is establishing the 300 MW Solar Power Project in Barsingsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, as part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme. The objective is to ensure affordable power supply to Government entities. Notably, NLCIL stands as the first CPSE to reach a 1 GW Solar capacity milestone in the country. The company has secured a 300 MW solar project capacity in the CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III floated by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India, the solar project aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative led by Prime Minister Modi. The electricity generated will be transmitted through the pre-existing power transmission lines of Barsingsar Thermal Power Station, aiming to produce around 750 million units of green power annually, offsetting carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 18,000 Million Metric tons over its lifetime.

The Power Usage Agreement for the project has been inked with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited at a competitive tariff of Rs. 2.52/unit for the next 25 years. The project is slated for commissioning by September 2024 with the potential to create employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase and 100 personnel during the Operations & Maintenance phase.  Furthermore, this project will enable the State of Rajasthan to fulfill its Renewable Purchase Obligation while contributing to the nation's journey towards achieving a Net Zero future.

NLCIL currently operates the 250 MW Barsingsar Thermal Power Station (BTPS), providing cost-effective electricity to the state of Rajasthan. BTPS utilizes environmentally friendly Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion technology and is fueled by pithead 2.1 MTPA Barsingsar Mine. The mine has been awarded a prestigious Five Star Rating by the Ministry of Coal, acknowledging its exceptional performance.

The Ministry of Coal's commitment to sustainable energy exemplifies a significant step towards a greener and more resilient future for the nation, in tandem with national development.

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BY/ST