NHPC to Invest ? 5,500 Crore in 1,000 MW Solar Project in Bihar

23 Dec 2024

NHPC Ltd, India's leading hydropower company, plans to invest ? 5,500 crore in the development of a 1,000 MW solar power project in Bihar, as recently stated by its Chairman and Managing Director, Raj Kumar Choudhary. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government for this investment during the Bihar Business Connect 2024 investor summit.

He stated, "We have put forward a proposal to invest ? 5,500 crore in developing a 1,000 MW solar power project. The project can be completed within 1.5--2 years after acquiring the land. Land plays a crucial role in solar projects, and we will urge the state government to support us in acquiring the necessary land to ensure the timely completion of the project.”

The company's website states that it currently operates around 7 GW of hydropower plants and has an additional 9.3 GW of plants under construction. He also mentioned, "NHPC plans to establish a small solar plant, with the electricity generated being used to produce green hydrogen. The green hydrogen produced will then be utilised to power passenger buses."

Green hydrogen, generated by splitting water using renewable energy, is the cleanest known energy source, as it produces no carbon emissions and only water when burnt. He mentioned that the bus, powered by green hydrogen, will be financed by NHPC. It will be provided to the state government to operate as part of their initiative to encourage the utilisation of clean energy sources.