New Delhi: A 1.3-GW peak power solar project built entirely with ‘Made-in-India’ solar modules was inaugurated today by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi in the presence of Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma at Pokhran in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Thursday. Addressing the project inauguration event, Joshi said that today is a historic achievement for India, especially Rajasthan.
“In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Rajasthan has become the hub of renewable energy revolution in the country. The inauguration of around 1.3 GW peak power solar site built entirely with Made-in-India modules is an example of contribution towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat where 90 percent of the modules are made in Rajasthan,” said the minister. He said that this is the first such large solar power plant. It shows that Rajasthan is not only making good use of the energy of the sun, but is also giving a new dimension to the energy environment of India.
The Union Minister said that the price per unit in the field of energy is the lowest in India at around Rs 2.18/unit. Earlier its price used to be higher. Its tariff has come down by several percent compared to a few years ago. He said that there has been a revolution in solar energy. Joshi said that efforts are being made to provide electricity to every city, every village, every house 24×7. Today, the power capacity of energy has increased compared to before. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is the fifth-largest economy and is becoming a fast-growing economy. Discussing the rapid change in technology in the country, he said that everyone can work together in the PPP model, which will lead to rapid development and the country will become self-reliant. “Electricity will be generated from this project and lakhs of houses will get electricity. In the coming time, the demand for energy will double. Work is being done at a fast pace to achieve the targets set for 2047,” said the minister.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan said that the state has immense potential for solar energy. He said that with everyone’s participation, we will create a green and bright future in the field of energy in Rajasthan so that the resolution of an excellent and developed Rajasthan can be achieved. He said that this solar plant will give impetus to the work being done towards self-reliance in the field of energy in the state. Taking initiative towards integrating solar and wind energy production, a green corridor is being developed in western Rajasthan. Sharma said that this plant which has been inaugurated by the Union Minister is an excellent example of ‘Make in India.’
This project has used solar panels 100 percent manufactured in India, out of which 90 percent have been manufactured in the modern solar module manufacturing unit of Indian company ReNew located in Jaipur. This is the first project of this scale in India, which has been executed in Rajasthan.
This solar power project of 1.3 GW peak power capacity is spread over 3,500 acres across several villages, including Rampuriya, Bhinajpura, Hastinapur and Masuria of Pokhran and Bhaniyana tehsils in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. It is expected that this project will generate about 2,490 million units of electricity annually, which will meet the electricity needs of about 5 lakh families in Rajasthan. As a result of this project, 2.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced annually (based on 936 grams of carbon dioxide emission per unit). In this way, this project will contribute to environmental protection.
On this occasion, State Minister for Energy (Independent Charge) Heeralal Nagar, MLA Mahant Pratap Puri, Chhotu Singh Bhati, CEO of Renew Sumant Sinha, other public representatives and officials were present. During the event, the Union New and Renewable Energy Minister and the Chief Minister inaugurated the solar plant by unveiling the inauguration plaque.
