Foundation stone laid for NHPC’s 300 MW Bikaner Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked an important milestone in India's renewable energy journey by laying the foundation stone of NHPC's 300 MW Karnisar-Bhatian Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This historic project was launched with an investment of more than? 1732 crore, marks a major progress towards realizing the country's ambitious renewable energy targets and furthering the vision of achieving net-zero emissions.

Using state-of-the-art technology, including domestically manufactured high-efficiency bifacial modules, the solar plant embodies the spirit of self-reliant India championed by Prime Minister Modi. Installed to transmit power through Bikaner-II ISTS substation, the project is estimated to generate approximately 750 million units of clean energy annually, offsetting an estimated 18,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its operational lifetime.

The project has secured a power use agreement with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) at a competitive tariff of Rs 2.45/unit for 25 years, funded by a Viability Gap Fund (VGF) of Rs 134.70 crore from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Assistance has been provided. Scheduled to be operational by September 2024, the project has the potential to generate employment opportunities for approximately 600 persons during the project phase and 100 personnel during the operation and maintenance phase. Additionally, in line with Rajasthan's Solar Policy, the State Government will receive contributions to the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund for the development of large power system infrastructure and to facilitate stakeholders.
Source