Current Affairs

Rajasthan Awards Record 2.45 GW Solar Plus BESS Tender

Source:saurenergy ↗

Why It Matters

Important for Rajasthan's economy, infrastructure growth, and renewable energy targets, aligning with state energy policies and national clean energy goals.

Summary

Rajasthan has achieved a major milestone in renewable energy by awarding the country's single largest solar-plus-Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) tender of 2.45 GW. The project features competitive tariffs ranging from Rs 3.53 to Rs 3.54 per kWh, reinforcing Rajasthan's status as a pioneer in solar energy generation and storage solutions.

Key Points

  • Rajasthan has awarded India's single largest solar-plus-BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) tender of 2.45 GW capacity.
  • The discovered tariff for the solar-plus-storage power stands competitively between Rs 3.53 and Rs 3.54 per kWh.
  • This milestone highlights Rajasthan's leading position in renewable energy capacity and grid stability management through storage integration.

Important Terms

Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited

The state nodal agency responsible for the promotion, coordination, and development of non-conventional energy sources and implementation of renewable energy policies and projects across Rajasthan.

UPSC context

RPSC RAS Prelims/Mains - Paper III (Economy): Important state-level bodies driving green energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development initiatives.

Source
Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy

A state policy framework designed to harness solar radiation through utility-scale parks, rooftop installations, and hybrid projects, providing fiscal incentives to attract private investment in Rajasthan's renewable sector.

UPSC context

RPSC RAS Mains - Paper III (Public Policy & Economy): Evaluates state industrial policies, green targets, and infrastructure growth.

Source
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

An advanced battery-based energy storage technology integrated with large solar power plants to capture excess daytime generation and discharge it during peak evening hours, addressing grid intermittency.

UPSC context

RPSC RAS Prelims/Mains - Science & Tech / Environment: Tests understanding of modern clean-tech infrastructure, grid stability, and energy storage solutions.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Rajasthan Economy and Infrastructure - Energy Sector

What are the key institutional bodies driving Rajasthan's renewable energy and solar policy framework?

  • RRECL Role:: State nodal agency implementing solar policies, promoting mega solar parks, and facilitating project clearances in Rajasthan.
  • RGO Mandate:: Mandates distribution companies to procure a specified minimum percentage of total consumption from solar and non-solar sources.
  • RVPNL Function:: State utility managing high-voltage transmission networks crucial for evacuating power from remote desert solar hubs.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Renewable Energy + State Fiscal Management

    Large-scale solar and BESS deployments require massive capital outlays, often financed via Green Bonds and managed by state-level public-private partnerships under fiscal responsibility frameworks.

  • Solar-plus-BESS + National Power Grids

    Integrating 2.45 GW storage with the national grid highlights the critical role of Green Energy Corridors in inter-state power evacuation and transmission pricing.

Rajasthan's 2.45 GW solar-plus-BESS tender pricing (₹3.53-3.54/kWh) is a prime candidate for state economic geography and energy policy MCQs.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2021RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In which year was the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy announced?

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which agency has been given the responsibility of implementing the PM-KUSUM scheme (Component A) in Rajasthan, which involves the establishment of solar power plants with a capacity of 0.5 MW to 2 MW?