Jaipur: Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd (RRECL) has invited bids for 201 MW of grid-connected solar projects to power public health engineering department (PHED) water-supply connections under the Virtual Net Metering (VNM) framework.Issued on June 12, the tender marks the first phase of a 500 MW programme aimed at reducing electricity costs for one of the state’s most power-intensive public services. Bids close on July 14.When contacted, RRECL chairman and managing director Rohit Gupta said that the PHED solarisation drive is part of RRECL’s broader plan to install 700 MW of solar capacity across govt offices and public infrastructure, targeting savings of nearly Rs 10,000 crore over 25 years. The initiative is being implemented through two models, including Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and VNM.“Under HAM, 200 MW will be deployed on govt building connections, expected to save Rs 4,000 crore, or about Rs 13 crore monthly. The larger VNM component involves 500 MW for PHED systems, projected to save Rs 6,000 crore, or Rs 20 crore monthly,” added Guptar.According to RRECL, the programme will lower costs and strengthen the financial sustainability of water-supply operations, which are among the state’s largest electricity consumers.The 201 MW tender envisages ground-mounted solar plants near multiple 33/11 kV substations in the Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (JVVNL) area. Power generated will be credited against PHED consumption statewide.Gupta said, “The projects will be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, with private developers financing, building, and operating plants for 25 years, sparing the govt upfront costs. Remaining capacity under the 500 MW VNM programme will be rolled out in phases, subject to technical clearances.”Gupta said the initiative is among the first large-scale govt applications of VNM in Rajasthan. Unlike rooftop systems, VNM allows a single solar plant to supply multiple dispersed connections by injecting power into the grid and adjusting bills accordingly. Experts see this as transformative for departments, municipalities, and institutions with widely spread electricity connections.Industry observers said they expect strong participation from developers and investors, positioning the programme as one of India’s largest govt-led solarisation efforts.
