Sun is set to rise from the west, at Pugal Solar Park, 82 kms from Bikaner. The solar park, developed by Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC), has lined up investment of Rs 16,000 crore generating 2,450 MW solar energy in addition to 1600MW/6400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System.
In a recently held bid, public sector units of central government – Coal India Limited and NLC India Renewables Limited along with private sector companyRama Reflection India Private Limited won the bid. While NLC and Rama won bid for 1,000 MW and 250 MW respectively at Rs 3.53 per unit each, Coal India managed to win bid for 750 MW at Rs 3.54 per unit in the first tranche.
For the second tranche, successful bidders Coal India and Leo Energies won bid for 225 MW each. While Coal India quoted Rs 3.42 per unit, Leo offered a paisa more at Rs 3.43 per unit.
“The bidding was unprecedented. As many as 31 companies participated in the first tranches while 17 companies vied for the second tranche with 16 companies common to both the tranches. The price was unexpectedly lower side. We were expecting price to be somewhere close to Rs 3.60 per unit,” said a senior official.
What is the outcome of this bid?
The project will set the template of future clean energy transition in the country. The power generated in this park will be purchased by Discoms in Rajasthan through 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL). That means the power bill of the state government, which purchases power at costly rates during peak hours, will get reduced drastically.
Since the solar power projects will be backed by battery energy storage systems, there will be steady supply of power round the clock on state transmission unit.
Rajasthan is converting renewable potential into assured, schedulable power. This project will redefine peak management, reduce curtailment, improve reliability, and set the template for India's future clean-energy transition.
What is the project?
The project is being developed by Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Limited (RSDCL), a fully owned subsidiary of the State Nodal Agency Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited. It is spread across 4,780 ha of government with a 99-year lease, with full possession and mutation completed. All land parcels are dispute-free and ready for allotment.
The site has developed roads, drainage, boundary fencing and easy accessibility. Companies will have the option of plug-and-play.
Why this project?
The project located in Pugal, 400 kms from Jaipur, received over 320 sunny days annually, ensuring superior capacity utilisation. It has among the world's highest solar irradiation ensuring maximum generation efficiency of more than 2,000 kWh/m²/year.
Apart from that the project is connected with a dedicated 765/400 kV GSS and internal pooling substations and associated transmission lines – vital for power evacuation.
“It has proximity to Rajasthan's Green Energy Corridor, ensuring seamless evacuation. The Solar Park has been allocated dedicated connectivity of 2450 MW,” said a senior official.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
