New Delhi: REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maharatna CPSE REC Limited under the Ministry of Power, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for implementing grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 76 ICAR institutes.
The project will cover institutes spread across 24 States and Union Territories, with an aggregate rooftop solar capacity of 11,109.87 kW (11.1 MW). Once operational, the installations are expected to generate around 1.73 crore units of clean electricity annually, supporting the adoption of renewable energy across India’s agricultural research infrastructure.
RECPDCL to Implement 11.1 MW Rooftop Solar Project
Under the agreement, the rooftop solar PV systems will be implemented on a turnkey basis, with RECPDCL serving as the designated Turnkey Implementation Partner.
The project will involve:
- 76 ICAR institutes across 24 States and Union Territories
- Aggregate rooftop solar capacity of 11,109.87 kW (11.1 MW)
- Expected annual generation of around 1.73 crore units
- Grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems
- Turnkey implementation by RECPDCL
- Five years of comprehensive Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
The project is expected to help reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources while increasing the use of renewable energy across ICAR’s network of agricultural research institutions.
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RECPDCL to Handle End-to-End Project Execution
The projects will be funded by ICAR, while RECPDCL will oversee end-to-end implementation through its empanelled EPC-cum-O&M agencies.
The scope of work will cover the complete project lifecycle, including:
- Design and engineering
- Supply of solar equipment
- Installation of rooftop solar PV systems
- Testing
- Commissioning
- Comprehensive operation and maintenance for five years
The turnkey approach will enable the project to be implemented through a coordinated execution framework across the participating ICAR institutes.
Project Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
RECPDCL’s role in the initiative follows its designation by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as the Scheme Implementation Partner (SIP) for the Government Building Solarisation component under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
The rooftop solar project at ICAR institutes will contribute to the broader objective of increasing solar energy adoption in government buildings and public infrastructure.
With installations planned across 24 States and Union Territories, the project will extend renewable energy infrastructure to a wide geographical network of agricultural research institutions.
Senior Officials Attend MoA Signing Ceremony
The MoA was signed in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from ICAR and RECPDCL.
The officials present at the signing ceremony included:
- Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR
- Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE and Financial Advisor, ICAR
- Gyanendra D. Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR
- Prince Dhawan, IAS, CEO, RECPDCL
The agreement was formally signed by Jaspal Singh Kushwaha, General Manager (Renewable Division), RECPDCL, and Kumar Rajesh, Director (GAC), ICAR.
Rooftop Solar Project to Generate 1.73 Crore Units Annually
The 11.1 MW rooftop solar installation is expected to generate approximately 1.73 crore units of clean electricity every year.
The initiative is expected to support ICAR institutes in:
- Increasing renewable energy consumption
- Reducing reliance on conventional electricity
- Promoting energy efficiency across government institutions
- Supporting sustainable infrastructure development
- Strengthening the use of clean energy within India’s agricultural research ecosystem
The project also demonstrates how public-sector organisations can support renewable energy deployment across large networks of government institutions.
RECPDCL-ICAR Partnership Supports Green Agricultural Infrastructure
The collaboration brings together the expertise of a power-sector public sector enterprise and India’s leading agricultural research organisation.
For ICAR, the rooftop solar installations will support the integration of renewable energy into its network of research institutes. For RECPDCL, the project adds to its role in implementing solarisation initiatives across government infrastructure.
With 11.1 MW of rooftop solar capacity, 76 participating institutes and projected annual generation of 1.73 crore units, the initiative represents a significant renewable energy deployment across India’s agricultural research network.
The project is also aligned with broader national objectives related to clean energy transition, sustainable development and increased solarisation of government infrastructure.
About RECPDCL
REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. RECPDCL provides consultancy and project development services in the power and renewable energy sectors and undertakes infrastructure and energy-related projects for various government and public-sector organisations.
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