Bihar Energy Minister Conducts Detailed Review of Kajra Solar and Battery Storage Project
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav visited the Kajra Solar Power-cum-Battery Energy Storage Project in Lakhisarai district on Monday to conduct a comprehensive review of the ongoing construction and development work. This significant renewable energy initiative represents a major step forward for Bihar's power infrastructure and sustainability goals.
Project Specifications and Current Status
The ambitious project features a total planned capacity of 301 megawatts of solar power generation combined with an impressive 523 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. This dual-function facility stands as one of Bihar's most important renewable energy developments, designed to address both power generation and storage challenges simultaneously.
Under Phase-1 of the project, which was successfully commissioned on February 26 of this year, 185 MW of solar capacity and 282 MWh of battery storage have already become operational. The current Phase-2 work involves adding 116 MW of solar capacity and 241 MWh of battery storage, with construction progressing at an accelerated pace according to project officials.
Minister's Inspection and Directives
Following his thorough site inspection, Minister Yadav participated in a plantation drive before chairing a detailed review meeting with representatives from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL). The meeting focused extensively on progress updates, quality control measures, and adherence to project timelines.
Yadav emphasized the urgent need to expedite completion of Phase-2, describing the entire project as a crucial milestone in Bihar's renewable energy expansion strategy. He specifically reviewed the Battery Energy Storage System installed at the facility, which ranks among the largest such installations in India.
Enhanced Grid Stability and Future Initiatives
Project officials confirmed that once fully operational, the integrated solar and storage facility will significantly strengthen power supply reliability and improve grid stability during peak demand periods. The battery storage system possesses the capability to ensure uninterrupted power supply for up to four hours after sunset, dramatically enhancing the consistency of electricity availability.
During the review meeting, Minister Yadav directed officials to explore potential for developing additional renewable energy projects in the hilly regions surrounding Kajra. Deepak Kumar Nayak, Vice President and Head of Renewables at L&T, assured that a comprehensive feasibility report would be prepared and submitted to BSPGCL in the near future.
The minister also highlighted the substantial potential for floating solar projects and raised-structure solar installations on ponds and water bodies across North Bihar. He instructed officials to take concrete steps toward implementing these initiatives using modern, efficient technology.
Key Officials Present
The review meeting included participation from several senior officials, including:
- Mahendra Kumar, Managing Director of BSPGCL
- Awadhesh Kumar Singh, Director (Technical) of BSPGCL
- Dilip Kumar, Chief Engineer (Generation) of BSPGCL
- Multiple representatives from Larsen & Toubro
The collective presence of these officials underscored the project's importance to Bihar's energy future and demonstrated the coordinated effort between government agencies and private sector partners to advance the state's renewable energy capabilities.
