In what can be termed as a major leap towards solar power generation in Western Rajasthan, the country's largest solar power plant with an installed capacity of 40 MW started producing electricity from today. Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Energy Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 40 MW Photovoltaic Solar Plant installed by Reliance Power at Pokhran in Jaisalmer district.
Chairman of Reliance Power Anil Ambani was also present on the occasion. On the occasion, Abdullah said the target is to produce 20,000 MW of solar power in the country by 2022. He appreciated the state government for its solar energy policy and expressed hope that Rajasthan will exceed the national projection.
While expressing his gratitude to Anil Ambani for setting up the plant, Gehlot said the state government is committed to achieve its 300 MW target of installed power generation capacity in two years. He said, "I am happy that Rajasthan is pioneering this phenomenon with a total investment of Rs 160 billion."
"We are trying to set up a Solar Energy Park here and have created an atmosphere conducive to shoulder this committment," he added.
Rajasthan Energy Minister Jitendra Singh said a similar leap has been taken by the state in wind power generation.
"State has started producing 1,900 MW wind energy," he said, adding that the state is set for a major national energy revolution through generation of power from alternative sources, which fortunately, are abundant here.
Source: PTI