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A petition was filed by Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) to approve the levelized tariff for 208.91 MW solar power projects under a specific scheme. The projects were introduced to benefit farmers and promote renewable energy through solar power. The projects will be developed in various areas, with a focus on installing solar plants to power agricultural pumps. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had previously launched a scheme to promote solar power in rural areas, specifically for agricultural purposes.
During a hearing on August 22, 2024, JVVNL presented its case, explaining that the solar projects were part of an initiative to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and help local farmers. The tariff was discovered through a transparent competitive bidding process. This process was carried out by JVVNL under the supervision of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC). The overall goal is to provide solar energy to various agricultural pumps, enabling farmers to reduce their electricity bills while increasing the use of renewable energy.
The solar projects will be set up through a model that includes capital expenditure and operation by service companies, with support from government financial assistance. The financial support covers a percentage of the total project cost, reducing the financial burden on developers and ensuring the affordability of solar energy for farmers.
JVVNL also explained that various guidelines had been issued for the development of the projects. These guidelines included provisions for the installation of solar-powered agriculture pumps and solarization of grid-connected agriculture pumps. To simplify the process for developers and farmers, JVVNL also launched an online platform where interested parties could collaborate on project development. This platform allowed landowners and developers to coordinate the leasing of land for solar power plants.
The project capacity was determined based on the energy requirements of each agricultural pump. The financial assistance from the government was calculated according to specific criteria, ensuring that even larger pumps received adequate support. A detailed plan for the installation and operation of the solar plants was provided, which included measures to ensure proper grid connectivity and long-term maintenance.
JVVNL successfully received a large number of bids from developers interested in setting up solar projects. Bidders were evaluated based on their technical and financial capabilities, and the levelized tariff for each project was determined through this bidding process. The Commission noted that JVVNL had followed a transparent bidding process and carried out due diligence to ensure that the tariff was fair and reasonable.
The Commission approved the levelized tariff for the solar power projects under the scheme, allowing JVVNL to proceed with the installation of the solar plants. The successful implementation of this project is expected to benefit thousands of farmers by providing them with affordable and reliable solar energy, while also contributing to the overall renewable energy goals of the state. |
