Bikaner: NHPC Limited, India’s leading hydropower company and a growing force in the renewable energy sector, has successfully commissioned its entire 300 MW Karnisar Solar Project in Bikaner, Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in India’s clean energy journey.
Final Phase of 85.72 MW Cleared for Operation
The company received the Certificate of Successful Trial Run Completion on October 10, 2025, for the fifth and final phase of the solar project, which included the remaining 85.72 MW capacity. With this certification, the full project is now technically ready for Commercial Operation Date (COD).
Project Ready to Power Punjab for 25 Years
All 300 MW of power generated from this solar installation will be supplied to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) under a 25-year Power Usage Agreement (PUA).
While the project is fully commissioned, NHPC is currently awaiting:
- Regulatory approval from the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC)
- Formal consent from PSPCL
- These are the final formalities before the commencement of commercial operations.
Major Renewable Milestone for NHPC
This commissioning marks a key achievement in NHPC’s diversification into solar and other renewable energy projects, beyond its traditional hydroelectric portfolio.
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The Karnisar Solar Project is now set to feed large-scale clean energy into the national grid, strengthening India’s push toward achieving its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 and ensuring sustainable energy security for Punjab.
About the Karnisar Solar Project
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan – a region known for high solar irradiance
Total Capacity: 300 MW
Beneficiary: Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL)
Duration of PUA: 25 years
Execution Timeline: Completed in multiple phases, culminating in final phase certification on October 10, 2025
What’s Next?
With all technical milestones achieved, NHPC expects to announce the Commercial Operation Date (COD) shortly, following the anticipated regulatory clearances.
The project is expected to:
- Offset a significant amount of carbon emissions annually
- Contribute meaningfully to India’s solar capacity addition
- Serve as a model for future PSU-led solar ventures
About NHPC
NHPC Limited (formerly National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is India’s leading hydropower company under the Ministry of Power. Established in 1975, it develops, operates, and maintains hydro, solar, and wind power projects across the country. NHPC is now diversifying into renewable energy, supporting India’s sustainable and clean energy goals.
