Coming Power Hub : Rajasthan

Renewable Energy for Better World

By
Manohar Das
v In India, 80,000 villages are still to be electrified. Over 70 million households have no
access to electricity. Country’s power generation capacity is 160,000 MW. Its growing
at the rate of 8% per year. India’s commercial energy supply needs to grow by about
6% per annum to sustain 8% GDP growth . Over 65 % of power comes from thermal
sources. It is the need of the hour that we need to take initiatives to development our
Non-Conventional energy resources. Sustenance of energy demand can’t be achieved
through fossil fuel as the limited reserves

v Today , The world is facing two unavoidable questions – 1.climate change, 2. Global
Warming . Global Warming and clean development are forcing countries to reduce
polluting industries.

v India today Stands among the top five countries of the world in terms of renewable
energy capacity. By March 2012, total capacity from renewable sources is expected to
reach 24,000 MW, accounting for nearly 12% of the total envisaged capacity from all
sources.

v Grid-interactive power installed capacity from renewable energy sources as of Oct 31,
2009:
§ Total capacity : 15,542 MW
§ Wind – 10,891 MW ( 70%)
§ Bio-mass – 2125 MW ( 13%)
§ Small Hydro (less than 25 MW) – 2,520 MW ( 16%)
§ Solar – 6 MW ( less than 1 %)

v Capacity addition of 30,000 MW is envisaged during 12th Plan for renewable, raising the
total capacity to 54,000 MW by 2022, which would comprise 40,000 MW wind power,
6,500 MW from small hydropower and 7,500 MW from biomass

v Potential from Renewable energy sources is estimated to be approximately 85,000

MW.

v Rajasthan is bestowed with significant amount of solar energy potential .The State of
Rajasthan is poised to establish itself as a leader in solar power generation and a
pioneer in providing energy security and sustainable growth to India.Endowed with
conducive conditions with perennial and abundant solar radiation, Rajasthan has the
potential to become the hub for solar power technologies and generation of sunrise
green energy.
v Rajasthan is favorably placed to become the largest provider of solar power among
allsources of energy in India at a competitive cost and achieve the scale on solar power
generation, which can change face of the state and transform the complete economic
situation for betterment of the masses. The State of Rajasthan receives maximum solar
radiation intensity in India but the average rainfall is quite lesser, hence best suited for
solar power generation. It also has land available in abundance at very low cost. As a
result, Rajasthan is likely to emerge as the global hub for solar power in the country.

v The State Transmission utility (RVPN) has developed strong transmission system
comprising of 400 kV GSS at Barmer, Jaisalmer, Merta, Jodhpur, Bikaner and
Ratangarh along with associated 400 kV lines network duly supported by 220 kV and
132 kV strong transmission line and sub-station network in desert area. Therefore,
suitable transmission system already exists for evacuating solar power in desert area,
where the potential of solar energy is maximum.

v To tap the potential of the emerging revolution in solar energy in Rajasthan and to set up
ambitious target under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the State
Government has decided to issue a comprehensive Solar Policy for use of solar energy.

Rajasthan – Preferred State for Solar Energy

§ The state in its western part blessed with abundant natural resource i.e. optimum
sunshine and wind
§ With more than 325 days of sunshine every year
§ The state has the highest solar radiation in the country
§ Jodhpur, popularly known as the SUN CITY of India
§ Assured power evacuation arrangements in place. Setting up 400 / 220 / 132 KV
network for solar and wind energy based power plants in progress.
§ Sparsely populated. Revenue land is available in abundance
§ Land is allocated at reserve price under G O R Policy Density of population – 165 per sq.
km
§ Rich in mineral resources, viz. marble, granite, rock phosphate, zinc, lignite, Lime stone
steel grade etc.
§ Rich culture, historical monuments popular tourist spots
§ Close to National Capital – Vast potential for economic development
§ Per Capita electricity availability – 561 units
§ Vast potential for Power Generation from Wind, Solar , Biomass, Petroleum and Natural
Gas in Western Rajasthan.
 Update Power Scenario in Rajasthan

§ Installed Power Plant Capacity - 7950 MW

§ Installed Renewable Capacity - 1160 MW (14.8%) included in 7950 MW
§ Capacity addition plan for remaining period of 11th Five year plan (2010-2012)
§ Conventional sources 4465 MW
§ Renewable sources 1200 MW
§ Capacity addition during 12th Five year plan
§ (2012-2017)
§ Projects in progress 5730 MW
§ Projects approved in principle 4780 MW
Renewable Energy

Solar Power Potential in Rajasthan

§ Solar Irradiance (6.0–7.0 kWh/sq.m/day) DNI in the range of 2100 - 2260W/M2/Year

§ >325 number yearly Sunny days in a year
§ Abundant govt. land. Availability is assured by GOR
§ Land is flat and has < 1 degree slope
§ Land is allocated at reserve price by GOR under Policy
§ Immense solar energy potential
§ Rajasthan has around 208,110 Sq.km of desert land (60% of total area)
§ Land required for 100,000 MW- 60 km x 60 km
= 3600 sq.km (i.e. <2% of desert land)

Parameters:
1. Desert Area : 200, 000 sq km.
2. DNI : 5.78 kWh/sq.m/day
3. No of Sunny days : 325 per year
4. Required Solar Field for 20 MW : 1 sq km.
5. Capital Cost of Solar Plant : Rs. 17 Cr / MW
6. Operating Cost : Rs. 13.45-18.45 /kwh
7. Price offered by Govt for 25 Years : Rs 17.00
8. Plant Life Span : 30 Years.
9. Grid-interactive power installed capacity : 6 MW.
10. Capacity of Proposed Solar parks : 1000 MW
11. No. Of 400 KV GSS :6
Adavantages in Rajasthan

Raj Govt. Leader in RE

§ RE Policies Issued in 1999, 2003 & 2004
§ Issue of Separate Biomass, Wind & Solar Policies in February-March
2010.
SP Plant in Desert area of Raj
§ Max. Irradiation in India
§ Max. Energy output
§ Best Return on investment
Transmission Infra Structure in Desert Area
§ Only state with Six 400 kV GSS
§ Associated 400 kV Trans. lines and number of 220 kV and 132 kV GSS
available
Climatic Conditions
§ Dry and Calm
§ No Sea Cyclone
§ No Sea Water Corrosion to modules , its frame and outdoor equipments
§ Lowest Earthquake Seismic Intensity Zone (Z-2)
§ Long Life of System- Assured 25 years Benefit.
Industrial Atmosphere
§ Known for peaceful , cordial, cultured behavior
§ Good Law and Order situation
Availability of labor
§ Skilled and un skilled at low cost
Ease in Selection of Land
§ Govt. Land Bank in 8 districts available with RREC
Government Land
§ Allotment at 10% DLC Rate
Water Availability for Thermal CSP
§ From Raj Canal within few km.
Connectivity to SP Plant
§ Direct to 132/33 kV or 220/132/33 kV RVPN GSS
§ Assured 24 Hrs Grid Availability to SPP
§ Supported With Reliable and Stable Network of Transmission System
Renewable Energy benefits for India :

India enjoys a very high availability of indigenous, clean and non-depleted renewable energy
resources, especially solar, wind, and hydro. The benefits of developing renewable energy in
India or in anywhere else can be categorized in four headings: sustainability, environment,
diversification, and economics.

The following are some of these benefits:

Renewable energies are sustainable sources of energy. Renewable technologies are

designed to run on a virtually inexhaustible or replenish able supply of natural fuels. The
primary long term benefits of renewable technologies is that once a renewable energy
project has been constructed and fully operated, it become a permanent and low cost
component of the national energy system.

Renewable sources promote energy diversification. Development of a diverse portfolio

of generation assess reduces a country dependence on any one particular form of
technology or fuel.

Renewable energy resources have the lowest environmental impact of all energy
sources. Renewable energy technologies have a very small impact on environment
compared to fossil fuel. The discharge of unwanted or unhealthy substance in air,
ground and water commonly associated with other forms of energy use can be reduced
significantly by using renewable energies.

Renewable energies have values beyond they generate. Renewable energy systems are
modular, flexible and can be installed anywhere and in any size. Investment in locally
available renewable energy generates more jobs, greater earnings and higher output.
The renewable energy industry provides a wide range of employment opportunities,
from high technology manufacturing of PV components to maintenance jobs at solar
thermal or wind systems.
Thank You