Mumbai, July 15 -- SJVN Green Energy has commissioned a 1,000 megawatt (MW) Bikaner Solar Power Project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The project was developed with an investment of Rs 54,920 mn across nearly 5,000 acres and is described as India's largest single engineering, procurement and construction solar project under the Domestic Content Requirement category at one location. The development is presented as a showcase of world-class renewable infrastructure built on indigenous capabilities.

The project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million (mn) units of electricity in its first year and about 56,482.14 mn units over its 25-year operational life. Generated power will be supplied to the States of Rajasthan (500 MW), Uttarakhand (200 MW) and Jammu and Kashmir (300 MW), providing long-term sustainable supply. The development is estimated to reduce nearly 2.79 billion (bn) kilograms (kg) of carbon emissions over its operational life, supporting national climate action objectives.

The inauguration was conducted by the Prime Minister of India from Pachpadra, Rajasthan, with the Governor and Chief Minister of Rajasthan and several Union ministers among those in attendance. The ceremony was joined by the Deputy Chief Minister and other state officials, and senior leaders of SJVN and SJVN Green Energy participated virtually and in person. Company officials outlined the project role in advancing the Government of India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.

The scheme used approximately 2.422 mn domestically manufactured DCR solar modules and about 1,750 mn indigenous solar cells, a measure credited with strengthening the domestic renewable manufacturing ecosystem. Construction and commissioning created more than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and enabled development of roads, transmission systems and associated facilities in the Bikaner region. SJVN, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has an installed capacity of 4,196.5 megawatt (MW) and operates two transmission lines with a combined length of 123 kilometres. The commissioning is expected to reinforce SJVN's commitment to expanding the country's renewable energy portfolio and contributing to energy security.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.