Kajra solar project to boost power supply: Minister

Patna: Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on Monday visited Kajra Solar Power-cum-Battery Energy Storage Project in Lakhisarai district to review the progress of ongoing work. The project has a total planned capacity of 301 MW of solar power along with a 523 MWh battery energy storage system, making it one of the state’s key renewable energy initiatives.

Under Phase-1, 185 MW of solar capacity and 282 MWh of battery storage were commissioned on Feb 26 this year. Work under Phase-2, which includes 116 MW of solar capacity and 241 MWh of battery storage, is progressing rapidly. Officials said the project, once fully completed, will strengthen power supply and improve grid stability during peak demand hours.

After inspecting the site, the minister took part in a plantation drive and later chaired a review meeting with officials from L&T and Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited. During the meeting, progress, quality standards and project timelines were reviewed in detail. Yadav directed officials to speed up completion of Phase-2 and described the project as a major milestone in Bihar’s renewable energy expansion.

The minister also reviewed the Battery Energy Storage System installed at the plant, which is among the largest battery storage installations in the country. Officials said the system can ensure uninterrupted power supply for up to four hours even after sunset, significantly improving reliability.

Yadav further asked officials to explore the possibility of developing new renewable energy projects in the hilly areas around Kajra. Deepak Kumar Nayak, vice president and head (renewables), L&T, assured that a feasibility report would be prepared and submitted to BSPGCL soon.

Yadav also highlighted the strong potential for floating solar projects and raised-structure solar installations on ponds and water bodies in North Bihar, directing officials to take concrete steps using modern technology.

Among those present were BSPGCL’s managing director Mahendra Kumar, director (technical) Awadhesh Kumar Singh, chief engineer (generation) Dilip Kumar, and officials from L&T.