GAIL, Rajasthan Government to Establish 1 GW Solar and Wind Energy Projects

State-owned gas utility GAIL India Ltd and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) have entered into an agreement to explore the establishment of 1 GW solar and wind projects. They will also jointly operate gas-based power plants in Rajasthan. This non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two entities, as stated by GAIL.

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Joint Venture for Gas-Based Power Plants

The collaboration aims to optimise the operations of gas-based power plants in Rajasthan. RRVUNL and GAIL will investigate the possibility of transferring RRVUNL's gas-based power plants located in Dholpur and Ramgarh to a proposed joint venture company. This venture will be a combined effort between GAIL and RRVUNL.

Solar and Wind Projects

The two organisations plan to develop approximately 1,000 MW of solar and wind projects on suitable land parcels. However, details regarding investment and other specifics were not disclosed. Comprehensive due diligence and feasibility studies will be conducted to establish the techno-commercial viability of these projects before forming the joint venture company.

GAIL supplies natural gas through its pipeline network, which spans around 1,090 km, to industrial customers in regions such as Bhiwadi, Neemrana, Khuskhera, Kota, Jaisalmer, and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. Major clients include Chambal Fertilizers and Shriram Fertilizers.

Additionally, GAIL provides gas to 19 city gas distribution entities across various districts in Rajasthan, including Kota, Bhilwara, Bhiwadi, Chittorgarh, and Jodhpur. This supply caters to residential, commercial, small industrial, and transport sectors, promoting green and clean energy.

GAIL also operates a 1,427 km long Jamnagar-Loni LPG pipeline. A significant portion of this pipeline, about 694 km, runs through Rajasthan from Abu Road to Alwar. Furthermore, GAIL contributes to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Rajasthan by supplying polymers for manufacturing HDPE pipes. This ensures tap water supply to every rural household.

The partnership between GAIL and RRVUNL marks a significant step towards enhancing renewable energy capacity in Rajasthan while optimising existing gas-based power infrastructure.