PM Inaugurates NHPC’s 300 MW Solar Power Plant In Bikaner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for NHPC’s 300 MW Karnisar-Bhatiyan Solar Power Plant Project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The ceremony was conducted through a video conference today. It was launched by the government of India’s Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) scheme, Phase-II Tranche-III, the solar project used bifacial modules manufactured in India. The total investment in the project exceeds Rs. 1732 Crore.

The power generated by the plant, with an annual output of approximately 750 million units, is expected to contribute towards offsetting carbon dioxide emission of about 18,000 million metric tons over its lifetime. A power usage agreement has been established with Panjab State Corporation Limited at a competitive tariff of Rs. 2.45/unit for 25 years.

Scheduled for commissioning by September 2024, the project holds the potential to create employment opportunities for 600 individuals during the project phase and 100 personnel during the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase. The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries. Including Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan Bhajjan Lal Sharma and Union cabinet minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R.K Singh.

Power Usage Agreement for the project has been inked with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) at a competitive tariff of Rs. 2.45/unit for 25 years considering Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹ 134.70 Cr offered by the MNRE, Govt. of India. The project is scheduled for commissioning by September 2024 with the potential to create employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase and 100 personnel during the Operations & Maintenance phase. Furthermore, State Government of Rajasthan will also get a contribution towards Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund as per the provisions of Solar Policy of State for development of large power system infrastructure for grid management, other supporting infrastructure and facilitation works for the stakeholders.