NTPC has announced the commercial operation of the first part capacity of 160 megawatts from its Bhainsara Solar PV Project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

What Happened: The company confirmed the news on Thursday evening, stating, “Consequent upon successful commissioning and due approvals, first part capacity of 160 MW out of 320 MW Bhainsara Solar PV Project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a step-down subsidiary of NTPC Limited through its wholly owned subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited, is declared on Commercial Operation w.e.f. 28.08.2024.”

NTPC REL, a subsidiary of NTPC Limited through its wholly owned subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited, operates the Bhainsara Solar PV Project. The total installed and commercial capacity of the NTPC group has now reached 76,294 megawatts with this new addition.

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This development is in line with NTPC’s strategy to fast-track renewable projects to address climate change risks. In its 2023-24 annual report, the company outlined its plans for renewable capacity addition, aiming to achieve 60 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2032. This was confirmed by Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh, who emphasized the company’s commitment to evolving and developing new strategies for renewable capacity addition.

Furthermore, this move aligns with the government’s energy plan, which includes a strategy to augment the country’s thermal power capacity by 80 gigawatts by the end of the decade. As part of this plan, NTPC is set to increase its thermal power capacity by 26 gigawatts by 2030, developing additional capacity as brownfield projects near coal mines. These projects are expected to be more cost-effective than establishing greenfield projects, with tariffs ranging from ₹3.5–₹5 per kilowatt-hour.

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