According to an official statement from the Ministry of Coal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually lay the foundation stone for a 300 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan today.
The project, with an investment exceeding Rs 1,756 crore, aims to provide affordable power supply to government entities. NLC India Limited, a prominent Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Coal, is spearheading the initiative in Barsingsar, located in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, as part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme.
The solar project, boasting cutting-edge technology including high-efficiency bifacial modules made in India, aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative championed by Prime Minister Modi. It is anticipated to generate approximately 750 million units of green power annually, offsetting carbon dioxide emissions by around 18,000 million metric tonnes over its operational lifespan.
The power generated will be transmitted via existing power transmission lines of Barsingsar Thermal Power Station. The power usage agreement has been finalized with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited at a competitive tariff of Rs 2.52 per unit for the next 25 years.
Set for commissioning by September 2024, the project holds the potential to create indirect employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals during the project phase and engage 100 personnel for operations and maintenance.
The project’s significance extends beyond local benefits, contributing to Rajasthan’s renewable purchase obligation and aligning with the nation’s aspirations for a net-zero future.
NLCIL, already operating the 250 MW Barsingsar Thermal Power Station, has secured the 300 MW solar project capacity through competitive bidding under the CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III administered by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
