PM Modi Inaugurates 300 MW Solar Plant in Rajasthan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a 300 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan, marking a significant step towards achieving the government’s ambitious renewable energy capacity addition target and the goal of net-zero by the year 2070.

A green and cheap power project

The solar power plant, located at Karnisar-Bhatiyan village in Bikaner district, is being set up by NHPC Limited under the central public sector undertaking (CPSU) scheme, phase-II, tranche-III, with a total investment of over Rs 1,732 crore.

The project is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India, aligning with PM Modi’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

The electricity generated by the project will flow through the Bikaner-II inter state transmission system substation, aiming to produce an impressive 750 million units of green power annually, considering a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 28.50%.

This substantial output is projected to offset carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 18,000 million metric tonnes over the project’s 25-year lifetime.

The power usage agreement for the project has been formalized with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) at a competitive tariff of Rs 2.45 per unit for 25 years, considering viability gap funding (VGF) of Rs 134.70 crore offered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

The project is scheduled for commissioning by September 2024.

A boost to employment and development

The project also has the potential to create employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase and 100 personnel during the operations and 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.

A milestone in India’s renewable energy journey

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi said, “India has started moving at a fast pace in generating solar power, and in giving an impetus to this mission, today, we have inaugurated various solar power projects in Rajasthan. The projects will not only provide green and cheap power to the region but also provide great employment opportunities to the youth.”

He added that India is committed to increasing its renewable energy capacity to 450 gigawatts by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

He also praised the state of Rajasthan for its leadership in solar energy generation and said that it has become an inspiration for other states.

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

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

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