In a major thrust towards achieving Government of India’s ambitious Renewable Energy capacity addition target and the goal of Net Zero by the year 2070, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the 300 MW Solar Power Plant located at Karnisar-Bhatiyan vilage, in Poogal Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan through video conferencing mode on 16th February, 2024. The project is being set up by NHPC Limited under Government of India’s CPSU Scheme, Phase-II, Tranche-III with a total investment of over Rs. 1,732 crores.  

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India, the solar project aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. The electricity generated will be transmitted through Bikaner-II Inter State Transmission System Substation. The project aims to produce around 750 million units of green power annually, considering a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 28.50%. This will thereby offset carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 18,000 million Metric tons over its lifetime.

The Power Usage Agreement for the project has been inked with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), at a competitive tariff of Rs. 2.45/unit for 25 years, considering Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹ 134.70 crores offered by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India. The project is scheduled for commissioning by September 2024. It has the potential to create around employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase and 100 personnel during the Operations & Maintenance phase. Furthermore, as per the provisions of Solar Policy of the state, the Government of Rajasthan will also get a contribution towards Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund for development of large power system infrastructure for grid management, other supporting infrastructure and facilitation works for the stakeholders.

The function was also graced by Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma; Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh; Union Minister for Law & Justice and Member of Parliament from Bikaner Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal. Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Smt. Diya Kumari; Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, and Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan Shri Prem Chand Bairwa also attended the ceremony.

NHPC Limited is India's leading hydropower company. NHPC has a total installed capacity of 7097.2 MW of Renewable Energy (including wind and solar) through its 25 power stations, including 1520 MW through subsidiaries. At present, NHPC (including subsidiaries / Joint Venture companies) is engaged in construction of 15 projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 10,449 MW.

 

Also read: PM inaugurates, dedicates to the nation and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 17,000 crores in Rajasthan; Lays foundation stone and dedicates to nation important solar projects worth around Rs 5300 crores

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PIB DELHI | Dheep Joy Mampilly

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