To further diversify its businesses into thermal and renewable power generation, on 10 March 2024 Coal India Limited (CIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) for setting up 4,100 MW capacity power projects.
The proposed electricity generation would be through a mix of coal-fired thermal power plants solar projects, pumped storage hydel plant, and wind projects. With Rajasthan exploring several opportunities for securing power to meet the growing energy demand, the entire generation would be acquired by the state.
Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister, Rajasthan was present at the signing event, while, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri R K Singh, Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy attended the function in virtual mode.
Dr. A K Samantaray, Executive-Director (Corporate Affairs and Business Development) CIL and Shri Devendra Shringi, Chairman and Managing Director, RRVUNL signed the MoU document formally on behalf of their respective companies.
The five proposed projects are 2×800 MW coal-based pit-head power plant’s power would be drawn by Rajasthan. Others are a 2000 MW solar power project in RRVUNL’s solar park; a 200 MW (2×100) pump storage project at Jawahar Sagar; a 250 MW solar project on the land acquired for Banswara TPP by RRVUNL and a 50 MW wind project at the existing Ramgarh gas project, Jaisalmer.
As per the MoU stipulation, RRVUNL shall ensure an offtake guarantee from the projects and also acquire, possess, and transfer the developed land parcels to JVC. CIL shall carry out feasibility studies and analyse the financial viability of each of the proposed projects.
On 10 March 2024, NLC India Limited signed an MOU with the Government of Rajasthan for the formation of a Joint Venture to set up a 125 MW Lignite Based Power Plant and a 1,000 MW Solar Power Plant.
The MoU between NLC India Limited and RVUNL entails a total investment of around Rs 7,000 Crores. Among the notable projects, the MoU outlines the establishment of a 125 MW Lignite Pit-head Thermal Power Plant in Bikaner district and a massive 1,000 MW Solar Power Plant, further reinforcing NLCIL’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, a LoI for the setup of an 810 MW solar power plant has already been issued. This is in line with the corporate plan of NLC India to become a power major with 17 GW capacity, of which around 6 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi lauded the Central and the state government’s commitment in expediting these transformative projects. Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Coal Secretary, Government of India, expressed confidence in the prowess of PSUs under the Coal Ministry, asserting that with the infrastructure and land support provided by the Rajasthan Government, the signed projects will significantly bolster the nation’s energy security.
Cover Photo Courtesy: www.pib.gov.in
