SJVN Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the state-owned SJVN, has recently entered into a significant agreement with Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) to supply 200 MW of solar power from its upcoming 1,000 MW solar project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This collaborative effort is part of the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) scheme of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The project, currently under construction, is inclusive of a development cost of Rs 5,491 crore and is anticipated to be operational by April 2024, aligning with the domestic content requirement mode.
The Power Usage Agreement (PUA) signed between SJVN Green Energy Ltd and UPCL outlines the terms for the supply of solar power from the Rajasthan-based project. The pact signifies a step towards enhancing India’s renewable energy sector and furthering the country’s mission towards sustainable power sources. The solar project, with a substantial capacity of 1,000 MW, reflects India’s vision to harness clean and green energy to meet its growing power demands.
The Bikaner solar power project also includes broader goals of the CPSU scheme facilitated by IREDA, promoting the involvement of public sector undertakings in the renewable energy landscape. The development of such large-scale solar projects is crucial for India’s energy transition, contributing to reduced reliance on conventional fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact associated with power generation. The foundation stone for the Bikaner solar power project was laid by President Droupadi Murmu in January 2023, marking the commencement of a venture that holds immense promise for sustainable energy generation. The project is envisioned to not only meet the energy needs of government entities but also supply power through distribution companies (discoms), ensuring a wide-reaching impact on the region’s power distribution network.
As part of its operational strategy, the Bikaner project aims to generate 2,455 million units of electricity in its first year of operation. Over the projected lifespan of 25 years, it is expected to cumulatively produce approximately 56,838 million units of solar power. Beyond the substantial power output, the project also contributes to environmental conservation, with an estimated reduction of 27,85,077 tonnes of carbon emissions over its operational period.
