NLC India, Rajasthan Ink Rs 7,000 Crore Pact for Renewable Power Deal
In a significant stride towards bolstering India's renewable energy capacity, NLC India Limited and the Rajasthan government have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a joint venture, committing to invest over Rs 7,000 crore. The agreement, signed in Jaipur amidst the presence of high-ranking officials from both sectors, marks a substantial push towards sustainable energy solutions.
The collaborative effort aims to establish a 125 MW lignite-based power plant and a substantial 1000 MW solar power plant. The lignite pit-head thermal power plant will be situated in the Bikaner district, emphasizing the commitment to diversify energy sources. Additionally, a Letter of Intent (LoI) for an impressive 810 MW solar power project has already been issued, aligning with NLC India's ambitious goal of achieving a 17 GW power generation capacity by 2030, with more than 6 GW sourced from renewable means.
Dignitaries present at the MoU exchange included Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD of NLC India Ltd, Devender Singhvi of RVUNL, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, among other notable figures.
To further amplify the project's impact, additional MoUs were signed with key stakeholders such as Coal India Ltd, NTPC, PGCIL, and REC. These agreements aim to expand generation capacity, enhance the transmission system, and secure crucial financing for the ventures.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commended the visionary approach of the Prime Minister and the unwavering commitment of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in expediting transformative projects. Amrit Lal Meena, the Coal Secretary of the Government of India, expressed confidence in the capabilities of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the coal ministry. He emphasized that with the support of infrastructure and land from the Rajasthan government, the signed projects will play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation's energy security.
The exchanged MoUs and LoIs signify a crucial step towards a sustainable and diversified energy landscape in India, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on traditional power sources.