NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL), a Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has recently achieved a remarkable feat in the renewable energy sector by securing an 810 MW solar photovoltaic power project. This project is awarded by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) and marks a significant step forward in NLCIL’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions.
Tender Floated By RRVUNL on December 21, 2022
The journey towards this achievement started when RRVUNL floated a tender for an 810 MW solar photovoltaic power project on December 21, 2022. The project is strategically located in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, a region known for its abundant solar radiation potential. NLCIL, with its expertise and dedication to renewable energy, successfully secured the entire capacity, positioning itself as a key player in the state’s renewable energy landscape.
Collaborative Efforts: The Letter of Intent (LoI)
A significant milestone in the project’s development is the issuance of the Letter of Intent (LoI) by RRVUNL. This letter solidifies the commitment of both NLCIL and RRVUNL towards the successful execution of this ambitious solar project. Under this collaboration, RRVUNL will provide the necessary land for the project and the power evacuation system connected to the State transmission utility.
Scaling New Heights: NLCIL’s Largest Renewable Energy Project
The 810 MW solar photovoltaic power project in Bikaner marks the largest renewable energy project undertaken by NLCIL. With this addition, the total power project capacity in Rajasthan will surge to 1.36 GW, out of which 1.1 GW is green power. This significant increase in renewable energy capacity will not only promote economies of scale but also optimize fixed costs, making renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective.
A Greener Rajasthan: Environmental Impact
One of the key advantages of this project is its location in Rajasthan, which receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year. This positioning is set to enhance the project’s Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) significantly. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to generate more than 50 billion units of power. Moreover, it will offset over 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener Rajasthan.
NLCIL’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NLCIL, expressed the company’s dedication to renewable energy. NLCIL has already made history by becoming the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to install 1 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is currently developing an additional 2 GW of renewable energy capacity across India, including this project. Their ultimate goal is to reach more than 6 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This aligns perfectly with the Union government’s commitment to augment renewable energy capacity in the country.