Bikaner: In a major boost to India’s renewable energy sector, NHPC Limited has successfully commissioned and inaugurated its 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant located in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The project was inaugurated on 04 July 2026 by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi through virtual mode, marking another milestone in India’s clean energy journey.
High-Level Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of several dignitaries, highlighting the strategic importance of the project. The event was attended by:
- Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan Mr. Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
- Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan Mr. Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri
- Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan Smt. Diya Kumari and Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa
During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that renewable energy is the foundation of India’s future energy security and highlighted Rajasthan’s growing role as a hub for large-scale solar infrastructure.
About the Karnisar Solar Power Project
The 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant is a significant addition to India’s renewable energy capacity. Key highlights of the project include:
- Total installed capacity: 300 MW
- Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
- Developed by: NHPC Limited
- Solar infrastructure built using approximately 7.75 lakh domestically manufactured Solar PV cells and modules
- Designed to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem under the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat
This project reflects NHPC’s diversification from hydropower into large-scale solar energy development across India.
Clean Energy Generation and Environmental Impact
The project is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including:
- Annual electricity generation: around 75 crore units of clean power
- Carbon dioxide reduction: approximately 6.4 lakh tonnes annually
- Contribution to India’s renewable energy basket and climate commitments
By replacing fossil fuel-based generation, the plant significantly supports India’s long-term sustainability and decarbonization goals.
Socio-Economic Benefits for Rajasthan
Beyond clean energy production, the Karnisar project has also contributed to local development:
- Creation of over 40 direct and indirect employment opportunities
- Promotion of sustainable livelihoods in remote regions of Rajasthan
- Boost to local infrastructure and economic activity during construction and operation phases
This aligns with the government’s focus on inclusive development through green energy projects.
NHPC’s Expanding Renewable Energy Portfolio
NHPC Limited is India’s premier hydropower company and is rapidly expanding into solar and wind energy sectors.
- Total installed capacity: 9332.90 MW (including JVs/Subsidiaries)
- Core sectors: Hydropower, Solar energy, Wind energy
- Status: Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power
The company continues to play a key role in India’s transition toward a diversified and sustainable energy mix.
Strengthening India’s Green Energy Future
The inauguration of the 300 MW Karnisar Solar Power Plant reinforces India’s commitment to renewable energy expansion and sustainable development. With large-scale solar projects like this, NHPC is strengthening its position as a key contributor to India’s clean energy transformation while supporting national goals of energy security, carbon reduction, and self-reliance.
About NHPC
NHPC Limited is a Navratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Power and one of India’s leading power companies. Originally focused on hydropower, it is now actively expanding into solar and wind energy projects, contributing significantly to India’s renewable and sustainable energy future.
Read also: NHPC Signs Long-Term PPAs with GUVNL for 3,576 MW Sawalkot and Kamala Hydropower Projects
