The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Madhya Pradesh): The foundation stone for the monumental Barethi Solar Power Project, spearheaded by NTPC REL, was ceremoniously laid in Madhya Pradesh on March 10, 2024, marking a significant step towards India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, alongside Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the project through a video conferencing session.
The Barethi Solar Power Project, nestled in the Chhatarpur District, is set to amplify India’s clean energy capacity by an impressive 630 MW. With an investment of Rs. 3,200 crores, the project is a critical component of India’s energy landscape, poised to illuminate over 300,000 households upon completion while contributing to the reduction of annual carbon dioxide emissions by 12 lakh tonnes.
Minister R. K. Singh highlighted the unparalleled progress in the power sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing the doubling of power capacity and peak demand over the past decade. The expansion of the transmission network and the initiative to connect every village with electricity underscore the government’s efforts towards ensuring 24/7 power availability as a fundamental right of the people.
“The Barethi solar power project holds paramount importance as it not only adds a substantial clean energy source to our power grid but also signifies NTPC’s transition from thermal to renewable energy plants,” stated Minister Singh. The project aligns with the government’s vision to meet the growing power demand of the fastest-growing large economy in the world, ensuring sustainability and energy security.
Dr. Virendra Kumar elaborated on the project’s role in fueling the development of the Chhatarpur district and the broader Bundelkhand region. The project’s location in an Aspirational District highlights the government’s intent to promote rapid development through infrastructural and social initiatives, including solar power in agriculture and enhanced connectivity with the upcoming Vande Bharat train service.
This venture is part of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks scheme, aiming to foster a sustainable and affordable power supply. It also aligns with NTPC’s ambitious goal to augment its non-fossil-based capacity to 45%-50% of its total 130 GW portfolio by 2032, including 60 GW of renewable energy.
The Barethi Solar Power Project not only epitomizes India’s stride towards green energy but also sets a benchmark for sustainable development, employment creation, and climate commitment fulfillment, underscoring the nation’s role as a key player in the global renewable energy domain.