Rajasthan Solar Policy Shift: 500MW from Bikaner Project Now Dedicated to State Use
In a significant policy shift aimed at addressing local energy demands, Rajasthan will now receive 500 megawatts (MW) of solar power from a major 1,000MW project commissioned by CPSU Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) in Bikaner. This move marks a departure from the earlier trend where most solar power generated in the state was supplied to other regions, following years of political criticism over domestic shortages.
Project Details and Allocation
The remaining 500MW capacity from the Bikaner project has been allocated to Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, as confirmed by officials. Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5,492 crore, this solar initiative offers a competitive tariff of Rs 2.57 per unit, supported by viability gap funding (VGF) of Rs 44 lakh per MW to ensure economic feasibility.
Policy Correction and Future Plans
Energy sector officials highlight that this project reflects a course correction in Rajasthan's renewable energy policy. Previously, political leaders raised concerns that the state was bearing the land and infrastructure burden of large solar projects without commensurate benefits for its own consumers.
Speaking on the matter, Ajitabh Sharma, additional chief secretary (Energy), emphasized that the focus is now on dedicating more renewable capacity to Rajasthan. He stated, "In the coming times, more solar plants dedicated to Rajasthan are coming up. The power from 2,450MW capacity Pugal Solar Park with battery storage will be used for consumption in the state." However, he noted that grid and transmission constraints currently limit how much capacity can be absorbed immediately.
Growth in Solar Capacity and Consumption
During the current financial year, Rajasthan added around 8,000MW of solar capacity, including contributions from rooftop installations, PM-Kusum schemes, and utility-scale industrial projects. Of this total, approximately 3,000MW was utilized for the state's consumers, indicating a gradual increase in domestic consumption of renewable energy.
According to Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd, the state boasts an installed renewable capacity of about 42,000MW, with 18,000MW dedicated to Rajasthan. This dedicated capacity meets nearly 18–20% of the state's total power consumption, underscoring the growing role of renewables in the energy mix.
Transition to a Major Consumer
Officials assert that projects like the one in Bikaner underline Rajasthan's transition from being merely India's solar hub to becoming a major consumer of its own clean energy. The Bikaner project, spread over 5,000 acres, is being developed under the CPSU Scheme Phase-II (Tranche-III) and utilizes bifacial DCR solar modules, making it the largest EPC solar project at a single location in the country.
The foundation stone for this landmark project was laid by President Droupadi Murmu on January 3, 2023. Designed in four phases with 120 inverter stations and four 250 MVA transformers, the plant is expected to generate around 2,450 million units annually, contributing significantly to both state and national renewable energy goals.
