President lays foundation stone of SJVN’s 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project

New Delhi: The President of India Droupadi Murmu, laid the foundation stone of SJVN Limited's 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project at Jaipur, Rajasthan on Tuesday.

The historic occasion was graced by the Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot. This Project is being implemented by SJVN Limited through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL).

SJVN Limited's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Nand Lal Sharma apprised that the project is being developed on 5,000 acres on outright purchased land near village Banderwala, district Bikaner of Rajasthan which is one of the highest solar yield areas of the country. The development cost of the project is Rs 5492 crores and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support of Rs 44.72 lakh per megawatt for this project is being done by IREDA. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2024. After commissioning this project will generate 2454.55 million units in first year and approximately 56838 MU would be generated on cumulative basis over a period of 25 years. The maximum usage charges have been fixed at Rs 2.57 per unit, which will help in providing cheaper electricity to the consumers.

SJVN has bagged this 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project under Central Public Sector Undertaking Scheme Phase-II, Tranche-III (Government Producer Scheme) through competitive bidding. The power generated by the project shall be for self-use or use by Government/Government entities, either directly or through Distribution Companies (DISCOMS).

Sharma informed that it is a matter of great honor that the foundation stone of SJVN's largest Solar Project has been laid by the President of India and commissioning of this project would help in achieving Government's renewable target of 500 GW by 2030. Usage of domestically manufactured solar photovoltaic cells and modules shall give push to Make in India drive. Besides adding valuable renewable energy to the grid, the project would also lead to reduction in carbon emission of 27,85,077 tonnes.

Sharma further stated that the project will generate direct and indirect employment to approximately 150-200 and 800-1000 persons respectively. This would also help in stimulating local economy, creating green jobs and overall development of the region.

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