SJVN has ventured aggressively into solar, wind, floating solar sector and is looking forward to participating in green hydrogen and BESS sector to adapt to the changing market needs, shares Nand Lal Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), SJVN Limited in an exclusive interaction with Abhineet Kumar of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:
What are the current challenges and opportunities in the power generation sector, particularly in the context of renewable energy?
Availability & Acquisition of Land within limited time, dependency on external markets for supply of modules, limited connectivity in ISTS Network and limited EPC players in wind energy market currently pose challenges in the renewable energy development sector.
Whereas opportunity lies ahead in Floating and Offshore Renewable Projects, upcoming technologies like Green Hydrogen & Ammonia, Battery Energy Storage Systems, kicking off on utility scale along with continuous regulatory support from the Government of India.
How is SJVN adapting to changing market dynamics and regulatory environments?
SJVN has already aligned itself with the Government of India goal of achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030. SJVN has a current portfolio of 56,894.4 MW, out of which 2226 MW is under operation, 4303 MW is under Construction, 12803 MW is under Pre-construction and S&I stage and 37,562 MW capacity Projects are under allotment. SJVN has ventured aggressively into solar, wind, floating solar sector and is looking forward to participating in the green hydrogen and BESS sector to adapt to the changing market needs.
SJVN has been designated as Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) by Government of India, being only the 4th PSU as REIA. SJVN has already awarded FDRE projects of the scale of approx. 2.5 GW with a target to achieve more than 10 GW in current FY 2023-24.
SJVN has aligned itself to the needs of Indian Power Sector & is focusing equally on base load demands through development of Thermal Power (1320 MW Buxar Thermal Power Plant) & Large Hydropower Plants like Italian (3097 MW) in Dibang Basin, Arunachal Pradesh.
SJVN is involved in various hydroelectric and renewable energy projects. How do you ensure the successful completion of such large-scale projects?
We have always actively advocated for One Basin One Developer scheme for Hydro Projects which ensures optimum utilisation of resources, faster adaptability to local issues/factors & mitigation measures thereof. SJVN has always proudly contributed to the local area development, upliftment of local communities through CSR which helps in greater local support for our projects.
SJVN has always focused on timely completion of projects with no cost and time overrun through proper & vigilant planning & monitoring, utilising its competent design and construction manpower, with the use of latest technology available and prompt decision making.
What strategies are in place to ensure financial sustainability and growth for SJVN?
SJVNs track record of Operational Excellence (NJHPS and RHPS) and timely completion of its Construction Project with robust financials for the last decade has led to greater trust of financial institutions and market forces along with GoI in SJVN.
Hence, SJVN has been able to secure funding at lower rates from National and International Institutions/ Banks/ organisations. Recently SJVN has secured Rs. 10,000 crores Construction Finance Facility through SBI CAP to fund its upcoming renewable power projects from a consortium of leading domestic and international lenders. Most important factor for sustainability & growth is timely execution of under construction projects, for which SJVN is very focused and we believe in creating value for all stakeholders.
How does SJVN address environmental concerns associated with hydropower projects?
The environment policy of SJVN represents its commitment to a clean and safe environment. SJVN strictly abides by the various acts, rules and regulations of state and central govt. for the protection of the environment.
SJVN has actively engaged with local communities and local bodies for successful implementation of environment protection measures and activities, and various afforestation drives have been conducted. Sewerage plans & Treatment Plants and water schemes for conserving water bodies, catchment area protection plan and other mitigation measures have been meticulously implemented.
Even during construction, SJVN takes all necessary measures to mitigate noise & air pollution and collaborates with the local public for their implementation.
In what ways is SJVN leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its operations and efficiency?
SJVN leverages technological advancement and innovation for timely completion of under construction projects, to mitigate or minimize the adversities like use of advance warning systems for flash floods in river basins, use of drones for supervision and monitoring of construction activities.
Further, SJVN has utilised technological advancement to venture into upcoming technologies like development of pilot projects for use of green hydrogen at existing power stations. SJVN also uses advanced technologies to have efficient and clean generations like use of supercritical technology for upcoming thermal projects etc.
SJVN already has a state of art & India’s first hard coating facility in its premier NJHPS for hard coating the turbine runners. Earlier, the hard coating was conducted in foreign countries costing millions to SJVN. With the in house hard coating facility, SJVN not only saved millions from costing components but this also has considerably reduced the lead time for maintenance i.e. increased operational efficiency of the plant.
SJVN is also developing a pilot membrane-based floating solar project in the state of Goa, which in near future will definitely help in increasing the efficiency and profitability of its Floating Solar Projects.
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