PM Modi inaugurates NHPC's 300 MW Karnisar solar power plant in Rajasthan's Bikaner
Balotra, July 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated NHPC's 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant in Rajasthan's Bikaner.
According to a press release by the NHPC, the project marks a significant addition to India's renewable energy capacity and underscores the nation's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasised that renewable energy is the cornerstone of India's energy security and sustainable future. He further highlighted that Rajasthan is witnessing the development of world-class solar power infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to the nation's clean energy ambitions.
NHPC CMD Bhupender Gupta expressed his sincere gratitude to PM Modi, the Centre, Rajasthan government, the Power Ministry and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for their continued support in the successful execution of the project. He reaffirmed NHPC's commitment to contributing towards India's clean energy and renewable energy goals.
The 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant represents NHPC's continued commitment towards strengthening India's renewable energy capacity and supporting the Government of India's vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, with the project being developed using approximately 7.75 lakh domestically manufactured Solar PV Cells and Modules, the press release stated.
The solar power plant is expected to generate around 75 crore units of clean electricity annually, significantly contributing to the nation's renewable energy basket while helping offset nearly 6.4 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and supporting India's climate commitments.
Besides producing clean energy, the project has also contributed to the socio-economic development of the region by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 40 local persons, thereby generating sustainable livelihoods in the remote areas of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
In Balotra, the Prime Minister dedicated, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm happy about the renewable energy push, but let's not forget the local context. Creating only 40 permanent jobs for a 300 MW plant seems low. Yes, it's a start, but we need to ensure these projects genuinely benefit the local communities in Rajasthan, not just big corporations. The government needs to show more concrete socio-economic numbers.
Brilliant! Using domestically manufactured solar panels for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat is the way to go. 7.75 lakh Indian-made cells, cutting CO2 by 6.4 lakh tonnes—this is what sustainable development looks like. Big salute to NHPC and PM Modi. Rajasthan is truly shining! 🇮🇳
Impressive scale. 300 MW and 75 crore units clean electricity annually is significant. As someone from the US watching India's energy transition, this is exactly what the world needs more of—large-scale solar in sunny regions. Good to see Rajasthan becoming a solar hub. Keep it up!
One thing that bothers me is that these inaugurations always happen with a big political show. Why does the PM have to be present for every small project? Let the work speak for itself. And 40 local jobs? That's hardly transformational for Bikaner's remote areas. We need more transparency on how this benefits the common man, not just photo ops.
Great step forward! India's renewable targets are ambitious, and projects like this are crucial. The fact that it uses locally made panels is also a big plus for self-reliance. Hope the maintenance and long-term efficiency of
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