NLC India Begins Construction Of 300 MW Solar Power Project In Rajasthan

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NLC India Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, recently began constructing a 300 MW solar power project at Barsingsar in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. This project forms part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) Scheme.

This project aims to ensure affordable power supply to government entities. With this, NLC India claims to become the country’s first CPSE to reach a 1 GW solar capacity milestone. The company has secured a 300 MW solar project capacity in the CPSE Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III floated by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.

It’s equipped with high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India. The electricity generated will be transmitted through the pre-existing power transmission lines of Barsingsar Thermal Power Station, aiming to produce around 750 million units of green power annually, offsetting carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 18,000 million metric tons over its lifetime.

A Power Usage Agreement for the project has been inked with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited at a competitive Rs. 2.52/unit tariff for the next 25 years. This project is slated for commissioning by September 2024, potentially creating employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase and 100 personnel during the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) phase. Furthermore, this project will enable Rajasthan to fulfill its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) while contributing to the nation’s journey towards achieving a Net Zero future.

NLC currently operates the 250 MW Barsingsar Thermal Power Station (BTPS), providing cost-effective electricity to the state of Rajasthan. BTPS utilizes environmentally friendly Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion technology and is fueled by pithead 2.1 MTPA Barsingsar Mine. The mine has been awarded a prestigious Five Star Rating by the Ministry of Coal, acknowledging its exceptional performance.