Ichha Sharma, Pune
NLC India (NLCIL), a state-owned company, has recently entered into an agreement to provide 300 megawatts (MW) of solar power to Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RUVNL) under the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) scheme. This arrangement will last for 25 years.
Currently, NLCIL possesses a renewable energy capacity of 1,421 MW. However, in line with its corporate plan, the company aims to increase this capacity significantly to 6,031 MW by the year 2030.
Under the CPSU Scheme, NLC India has signed a long-term power usage agreement with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited to supply 300 MW of solar power in the state of Rajasthan. The solar project, which has a capacity of 300 MW, is being developed at Barsingsar in the Bikaner District of Rajasthan.
To carry out this project, NLCIL secured a 510 MW solar project capacity through competitive bidding in the CPSU Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III. This scheme was floated by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
The Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contract for the 300 MW solar project has been awarded to TATA Power Solar Systems through a competitive bidding process.
The power usage agreement (PUA) for this solar project was officially signed on August 17, 2023, in Jaipur. The agreement was executed between NLC India Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RUVNL). This agreement outlines the supply of solar power from NLCIL to Rajasthan for the next 25 years.
The solar project is expected to generate approximately 750 million units of green power annually. This power will be supplied to Rajasthan and will significantly contribute to the state’s efforts to meet its renewable purchase obligation targets.
Furthermore, the power generated from this solar project will have a positive environmental impact. It is estimated that the project will reduce carbon emissions by about 0.726 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Notably, this expansion into solar power in Rajasthan marks a significant step for NLCIL. While the company already has a renewable energy capacity of 1.40 gigawatts (GW) in Tamil Nadu, this project represents its first venture into expanding its renewable energy footprint in other states.