Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is set to establish a 2,000 kilowatt-peak (KWp) solar power plant on its campus, which is expected to decrease its annual electricity expenses by approximately ₹3 crore. According to university officials, the solar panels will be installed on the rooftops of hostels, various academic buildings, and underutilized areas near the academic complex. Currently, JNU operates 600 KWp of solar panels on its academic buildings, which have been generating energy since 2018. These panels produce around 9 lakh units of electricity each year, resulting in savings of about ₹4.2 crore.
The existing panels fulfill 7-8% of JNU’s peak power requirements, and the new solar plant aims to generate 30 lakh units of electricity annually. The estimated cost for this project ranges from ₹10 to ₹12 crore, and the university is actively pursuing funding from the Ministry of Education as well as private companies through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. If funding is secured, the installation could be completed within six months.
JNU is also looking to benefit from the PM Surya GharMuftBijliYojana, a government initiative that encourages solar energy use by providing substantial subsidies for solar installations. Under this scheme, a 60% subsidy is available for solar systems up to 2 kW, while systems between 2-3 kW qualify for a 40% subsidy. The Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) has called for proposals from central universities, and JNU plans to apply for assistance to help cover the new solar plant’s costs.
Additionally, the university is exploring the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model for this project, which would involve granting roof rights to a company sanctioned by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for an extended period. In this arrangement, the company would handle installation costs, while JNU would pay for the electricity generated at a rate significantly lower than its current provider, BSES.
The Ministry of Education is preparing a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate agreements under the RESCO model, which JNU intends to adopt once finalized. Currently, JNU’s electricity demand fluctuates between 6,000 KVA in the summer and 4,500 KVA in the winter, with the university incurring monthly electricity costs of around ₹2 crore. To reduce expenses, JNU has implemented energy-efficient measures, including LED street lighting, high-efficiency indoor lighting, five-star rated air conditioners, and shunt capacitor panels at power substations.
