In a significant development aimed at enhancing the energy infrastructure in Rajasthan, NTPC Limited and NGEL have each entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL). These agreements were formalized in a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur on March 10, 2024, marking a major step forward in the state’s pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Under the agreement between NTPC and RVUNL, the parties will investigate the possibility of introducing supercritical units at the existing Chhabra Thermal Power Plant. The collaboration aims not only to improve the efficiency and reduce the operational costs of the plant’s current units but also to engage in a long-term plan for the Renovation and Modernization (R&M) of RVUNL’s older thermal units. This R&M project, expected to last 15 to 20 years, will be managed by NTPC or its subsidiaries. The MoU was signed by R Sarangapani, Executive Director, BD, IBD & Consultancy at NTPC, and Devender Shringi, Chairman and Managing Director at RVUNL.
The second MoU, between NGEL and RVUNL, focuses on the development of Renewable Energy Projects and the production of Green Hydrogen Derivatives. With ambitions to achieve up to 25 GW in renewable energy capacity and 1 million tons of green hydrogen capacity, this partnership underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable energy development. This MoU was signed by Rajiv Gupta, CEO of NGEL, and Devender Shringi of RVUNL.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and several ministers from both the state and central governments, demonstrating the high level of governmental support for these initiatives. Among the attendees were R K Singh, the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, and Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Coal & Mines, who both participated virtually. The state government was represented by Diya Kumari, the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and Heeralal Nagar, the Minister of State for the Energy Department.
Representing NTPC were Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, D.K Patel, Director (HR), Vivek Gupta, Independent Director, along with other senior officials, highlighting the importance NTPC places on this collaboration. NTPC, India’s largest integrated power utility, plans to significantly increase its non-fossil based capacity to 45-50% of its total portfolio by 2032, aiming for a total capacity of 130 GW including 60 GW from renewable sources.
These MoUs represent a pivotal move towards bolstering Rajasthan’s energy sector through strategic collaborations, focusing on sustainability, efficiency improvements, and the exploration of new energy avenues.