RIL enters into pact with 3 power discoms

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has entered into an agreement to sell solar energy to three three power companies of Rajasthan — Jaipur Discom, Ajmer Discom and Jodhpur Discom.

RIL is setting up a 5 MW solar power generation plant at the Khimsar village in Nagaur district. Jaipur Discom Chairman R G Gupta said the agreement is first of its kind to tap the solar energy for the benefit of consumers in the state.

“According to the agreement, RIL will get Rs 15.78 a unit. The power purchase rate would be Rs 3.67 for 10 years while Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will pay Rs 11.33 a unit as per the directives of Renewable Energy Regulatory Commission (RERC) to promote solar green energy. Besides, the discoms will pay 78 paise a unit to the power generation company,” he said.

The tariff and incentives will be applicable only if the plant is commissioned by December 2009. Electricity generation from solar energy is prohibitively expensive.