Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the Foundation Stone of 300 MW Barsingsar Solar Power Plant
Context:
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stone for a 300 MW Solar Power Plant, showcasing the government’s commitment to renewable energy and the net zero vision.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Sustainable Resources)
Highlights:
- NLC India Limited, a leading Navratna CPSE, is spearheading the establishment of the project in Barsingsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, as part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme, marking a milestone as the first CPSE to achieve a 1 GW Solar capacity in India.
- The solar project, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India, aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative and is expected to produce around 750 million units of green power annually, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime.
- A Power Usage Agreement has been secured with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited at a competitive tariff of Rs. 2.52/unit for 25 years, ensuring affordable power supply to government entities and contributing to employment generation, with around 600 indirect jobs during the project phase and 100 personnel during Operations & Maintenance.
- The project not only aids Rajasthan in meeting its Renewable Purchase Obligation but also aligns with the nation’s goal of achieving a Net Zero future, representing a significant stride towards sustainability and resilience in energy production and consumption.
Solar Project Commissioning Challenges:
- Land acquisition with clear title poses a significant hurdle.
- Delays occur due to a mismatch between project setup time and infrastructure development for power transmission to the grid.
- Environmental concerns, compounded by the economic slowdown due to COVID-19, contribute to project interruptions.
- Solar power projects, particularly transmission lines, encroach upon the habitat of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan, with few companies complying with the Supreme Court’s directive to lay underground cables due to cost concerns.
Status of Solar Energy in India:
- As of October 2022, India had installed 61GW of solar power.
-
A recent IEA report revealed that the nation is expected to meet 18% of its energy requirement through solar by 2030.
-
Currently, India ranks third in Asia and fourth in the world in terms of its solar power generation.
Initiatives for Solar Energy in India:
- Solar Park Scheme: Establishing solar parks across states around 500 MW capacity.
- Rooftop Solar Scheme: Installation of solar panels on house roofs.
- Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY): Installation of solar street lighting in states with limited grid power coverage.
- National Solar Mission: Government initiative to promote sustainable growth and energy security.
- SRISTI Scheme: Promoting rooftop solar power projects.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Collaboration with France to combat climate change through solar energy deployment.
