A Sunshine Initiative: NTPC's 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project Dedicated To Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (16 February) dedicated to the nation the 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project of NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL).

NGEL, the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has executed the project under the CPSU Scheme Phase-II with an investment of Rs 1,803 crore to ensure green power to the state of Telangana.

Spread over 1,550 acres in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, the project will generate 730 million units of clean energy annually, which can cater to over 1.3 lakh households.

The solar project while generating green power, will also help offset carbon dioxide emissions to the tune 15 million tonnes in a span of 25 years.

Over 13 lakh solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have been installed in this project under the flagship Make-in-India programme, thereby strengthening the government of India’s resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

It may be noted that the NTPC has commissioned the plants in phases, with the fifth and last part capacity of 50 MW being declared on commercial operation with effect from 3 June 2023.

The scheme launched in March 2019 envisages setting up 12 GW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power projects by the government producers with viability gap funding (VGF) support for self-use or use by government or government entities, either directly or through distribution companies (DISCOMS).

Participation in the scheme is open to producers such as public sector undertakings (PSUs) or such organisations which are under administrative control or have 50 per cent shareholding of central or the state government.

The primary goal of the scheme is to bridge the cost disparity between domestically produced solar cells and modules and their imported counterparts. VGF will be provided accordingly.

Under the scheme, the maximum allowable VGF stands at Rs 0.55 crore per megawatt. However, the actual VGF granted to a government producer will be determined through a bidding process, wherein the VGF amount serves as a bid parameter to select the project proponent.

The responsibility of conducting the bidding process among government producers to allocate solar power project capacity lies with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. They will utilise the VGF amount as a key criterion in selecting the project proponent.