On March 10, 2024, Coal India Limited (CIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan State Power Generation Corporation Limited (RRVUNL) for setting up power projects of 4,100 MW capacity. The proposed power generation will be through a mix of coal based thermal power plants, solar projects, pumped storage hydro power plants and wind projects. With Rajasthan exploring multiple opportunities to acquire power to meet the growing energy demand, the entire generation will be acquired by the state.
The signing event was attended by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, while the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Shri RK Singh participated in the ceremony in virtual mode.
The five proposed projects are 2×800 MW coal-based pit-head power plants, the power of which will be drawn by Rajasthan. Others are 2000 MW solar power project in the solar park of RRVUNL; 200 MW (2×100) Pumped Storage Project at Jawahar Sagar; 250 MW solar project on the land acquired by RRVUNL for Banswara TPP and 50 MW wind project at the existing Ramgarh Gas Project, Jaisalmer.
As per the terms of the MoU, RRVUNL will ensure guarantee of offtake from the projects and will also acquire, own and transfer the developed land parcel to the JVC. CIL will conduct feasibility studies and analyze the financial feasibility of each proposed project. 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 involves a total investment of approximately Rs 7,000 crore. Among the notable projects, the MoU outlines the setting up of a 125 MW lignite pit-head thermal power plant and a 1,000 MW mega solar power plant in Bikaner district, further strengthening NLCIL's commitment to renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, LOI has already been issued for setting up 810 MW solar power plant. This is in line with NLC India's corporate plan to become a leading power company with 17 GW capacity, of which about 6 GW will be renewable capacity by 2030.