In a landmark move for India's clean energy landscape, the Rajasthan government has announced a massive tender for the country's largest integrated solar power and battery energy storage project. The ambitious initiative aims to deliver reliable, round-the-clock green electricity to the state.
Project Scope and Strategic Importance
The tender, floated by the state-owned Rajasthan Solarpark Development Company Ltd (RSDCL), seeks to develop 2,450 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity coupled with a substantial 6,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage. This colossal project will be situated at the Pugal solar park in Bikaner.
Ajitabh Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary for Energy, emphasized the project's significance. He stated that the 2.45 GW solar project with 6.4 GWh of battery storage at Pugal marks a crucial step in Rajasthan's energy transition. It represents a shift from variable renewable sources to firm, dispatchable green power that can be supplied on demand.
Implementation Model and Key Details
The project will be awarded through a tariff-based global competitive bidding process and implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. The power generated will be purchased by Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Ltd (RUVITL) for the state's distribution companies. RSDCL will facilitate the project by providing land, transmission infrastructure, and grid connectivity within the solar park.
The tender capacity is strategically divided into 2 lots. Developers are allowed to bid for one or both lots, adhering to predefined minimum and maximum capacity limits. The attached battery storage system is designed for a 4-hour duration with one cycle per day, specifically engineered to ensure a dependable electricity supply during evening peak demand periods.
Timeline, Compliance, and Expected Impact
According to Rohit Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Ltd, preparatory work is already in progress. Contracts for civil works are finalized, and the development of transmission infrastructure is underway. The projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 24 months of signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), with only limited provisions for an extension.
The tender aligns with the Ministry of Power's guidelines for procuring firm renewable energy with storage. It mandates the use of ALMM-listed solar modules, compliance with cybersecurity standards, and the installation of advanced monitoring systems.
Officials anticipate that this mega-project will attract substantial investment, significantly improve grid reliability, and bolster Rajasthan's position as a leader in renewable energy infrastructure. This initiative is a direct response to the growing need for stable, clean power that can meet consumption patterns around the clock.
