Shimla: In a major boost to India’s renewable energy sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated SJVN’s 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project from Pachpadra, Rajasthan. The massive project underscores the nation’s commitment to achieving its clean energy and climate action targets.
The landmark project, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was developed by SJVN through its renewable arm, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), with an investment of approximately ?5,492 crore spanning nearly 5,000 acres. It stands as India’s largest single EPC solar project at a single location under the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) category, highlighting the country’s growing indigenous engineering capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Project
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Total Investment: ?5,492 crore across 5,000 acres.
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Clean Energy Generation: Expected to produce 2,454.84 million units (MU) of electricity in its first year, and around 56,482.14 MU over its 25-year operational lifespan.
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Power Distribution: The generated power will be supplied to Rajasthan (500 MW), Jammu & Kashmir (300 MW), and Uttarakhand (200 MW).
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Environmental Impact: Estimated to offset nearly 2.79 billion kilograms of carbon emissions over its operational life.
Championing ‘Make in India’
Aligning with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, the infrastructure strictly utilized domestic components. The project integrates approximately 24.22 lakh domestically manufactured DCR solar modules and around 175 crore indigenous solar cells, providing a substantial boost to the local renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
Beyond its environmental and technological milestones, the project has acted as a catalyst for regional socio-economic development. More than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities were generated during the construction and commissioning phases. Furthermore, the development has led to significant local infrastructure upgrades, including transmission systems and roads in the Bikaner region.
SJVN, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, currently holds an installed capacity of 4,196.5 MW. The successful commissioning of the Bikaner project further solidifies the enterprise’s role in expanding India’s green energy footprint for a sustainable future.
