Early Times Report
Shimla, July 4: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated SJVN’s 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project from Pachpadra, Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy journey and reaffirming the nation’s commitment towards achieving its clean energy and sustainability goals. This historic occasion was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sh. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law & Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa and other dignitaries. The event was virtually joined by CMD, SJVN, Shri Bhupender Gupta, Director (Personnel) Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Finance), Shri Parthajit De, Director (Projects), Shri Rajesh Kumar Chandel, CVO, Shri Pankaj Porwal, CEO, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), Shri Prashant Sharma and senior officials of SJVN and SGEL. The 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project has been developed by SJVN through its renewable energy arm, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Developed with an investment of approximately Rs 5,492 crore across nearly 5,000 acres, the project is India’s largest single EPC solar project under the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) category at a single location, showcasing world-class renewable energy infrastructure built on indigenous capabilities. The project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million units of electricity during its first year of operation and around 56,482.14 MU of clean energy over its 25-years of operational life. The generated power will be supplied to the States of Rajasthan (500 MW), Uttarakhand (200 MW) and Jammu & Kashmir (300 MW), thereby strengthening the country’s clean energy network while ensuring long-term sustainable power supply. The project is estimated to reduce nearly 2.79 billion kilograms of carbon emissions over its operational life, making a substantial contribution towards India’s climate action commitments and environmental sustainability objectives. A key highlight of the project is its strong emphasis on the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The project has utilized approximately 24.22 lakh domestically manufactured DCR solar modules and around 175 crore indigenous solar cells, significantly promoting domestic manufacturing and strengthening the indigenous renewable energy ecosystem. Beyond clean energy generation, the project has contributed meaningfully to regional socio-economic development. During its construction and commissioning phases, it generated more than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and continues to support livelihoods during its operational phase. The project has also facilitated the development of critical infrastructure, including roads, transmission systems and associated facilities, accelerating the overall growth of the Bikaner region. |