 agencies
NEW DELHI, Feb 16: 16th February 2024, Bikaner, Rajasthan: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in India's renewable energy journey by laying the foundation stone for NHPC's 300 MW Karnisar-Bhatiyan Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This landmark project, undertaken with an investment exceeding ? 1732 Crore, signifies a major stride towards realizing the country's ambitious renewable energy targets and advancing the vision of achieving net-zero emissions.
Harnessing state-of-the-art technology, including high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured domestically, the solar plant epitomizes the spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat championed by Prime Minister Modi. Set to transmit electricity through the Bikaner-II ISTS Substation, the project is projected to generate approximately 750 million units of clean energy annually, thereby offsetting an estimated 18,000 million Metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its operational lifespan.
The project has secured a Power Usage Agreement with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) at a competitive tariff of Rs 2.45/unit for 25 years, facilitated by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of Rs 134.70 Cr from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. Scheduled for commissioning by September 2024, the project holds the potential to create employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals during the project phase and 100 personnel during the Operations & Maintenance phase. Moreover, in line with Rajasthan's Solar Policy, the State Government will receive contributions towards the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund for the development of large power system infrastructure and facilitating stakeholders.
The ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri R.K. Singh, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Law & Justice and Member of Parliament from Bikaner. Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, and Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, also graced the occasion.
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