Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power project to the Nation via video conference on July 10, 2020.
Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said the Rewa project—said to be Asia’s largest power project— will make the entire region a major hub for pure and clean energy in this decade. The Prime Minister praised the effort in that it will also supply power to the Delhi Metro, along with the entire region surrounding Rewa.
He said very soon Madhya Pradesh would be the main centre of Solar Energy in India, as such major projects are in progress in Neemuch, Shajapur, Chattarpur and Omkareshwar.
The biggest beneficiaries of this would be the poor, the middle class, the tribals, the farmers of Madhya Pradesh, he said.
He described solar energy as one which is ‘Sure, Pure & Secure’. Sure because of the continuous supply of energy from the sun, pure as it is environment-friendly and secure because it is a secure source for our energy needs.
Prime Minister termed such solar energy projects are a true representation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
He said the economy is an important aspect of self-reliance and progress. Referring to the regular dilemma whether to focus on Economy or Ecology, Prime Minister said India resolved such dilemmas by focusing on solar energy projects and other environment friendly measures. Modi said economy and ecology are not contradictory but complementary to each other.
Rewa ultra mega power project: A background
The Rewa project is owned and managed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL) – a joint venture between Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. There are three developers to the project, each managing a capacity of around 250 mw. The project was awarded on reverse bidding process. The developers are Mahindra Susten, ACME Solar Holdings and Solenergi (the 100 per cent holding company of Mauritius-based Sprng Energy). Power procurement is done by Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Ltd (the holding company of the three power distribution companies of the state) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The share of the latter in the total power purchase is 24 per cent. RUMSL is also developing similar solar parks at Neemuch, Agar and Shahajapur, with an aggregate installed capacity of 1,500 mw.
Source of featured photograph: Mahindra Susten
