The Kajra Solar Power Plant in Bihar has achieved a key grid integration milestone with the successful energisation of its 132 kV transmission line and a 100 MVA, 33/132 kV power transformer. The development marks a major step forward in strengthening solar power evacuation and enhancing renewable energy reliability in the state.
Located in Lakhisarai district, the project is designed to supply clean electricity to Bihar’s grid while supporting peak demand through integrated battery energy storage, reinforcing the state’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Project Overview
The newly energised 132 kV transmission link connects the Kajra Solar Power Plant to grid substations at Haveli Kharagpur and Lakhisarai, enabling smooth and reliable evacuation of solar power into Bihar’s electricity network.
Key project details include:
- Location: Lakhisarai district, Bihar
- Transmission infrastructure: 132 kV line and 100 MVA, 33/132 kV transformer
- Phase I capacity: 185 MW solar + 254 MWh BESS
- Phase II capacity: 116 MW solar + 241 MWh BESS
- Total planned capacity: 301 MW solar + 495 MWh storage
- Sector: Renewable Energy / Solar + Storage
The transmission infrastructure plays a critical role in ensuring that generated solar power is efficiently delivered to the grid without bottlenecks.
Strengthening Solar Power Evacuation
With the energisation of the transmission line, the Kajra Solar project can now deliver continuous solar power during daylight hours. In addition, the integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) enables 4–5 hours of power supply during peak demand periods, even when solar generation is unavailable.
This combination of solar generation and storage improves grid stability and helps address intermittency challenges typically associated with renewable energy.
Leadership Perspective
Commenting on the development, Manoj Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Energy Department and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, said the energisation represents a significant advancement for solar energy in Bihar.
He noted that the project strengthens the reliability of the state’s electricity system and supports the integration of large-scale renewable energy into the grid.
Phased Development and Investment
The Kajra Solar Power Plant is being developed in two phases. Phase I, which includes a 185 MW solar array and 254 MWh of battery storage, has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1,810 crore.
Phase II will add 116 MW of solar capacity and 241 MWh of storage, with commissioning targeted by January 2027. Once fully operational, the project will rank among India’s largest integrated solar-plus-storage facilities, combining high-capacity renewable generation with large-scale energy storage.
Why This Development Matters
The successful energisation of the 132 kV transmission line highlights the growing importance of transmission infrastructure in scaling renewable energy. Projects like Kajra help:
- Improve solar power evacuation efficiency
- Enhance grid stability through battery storage
- Support peak power demand with clean energy
- Reduce dependence on conventional power sources
For Bihar, the project represents a major step toward building a resilient and future-ready renewable energy ecosystem.
Industry Outlook
As India expands its renewable energy capacity, integrated solar-plus-storage projects are expected to play a vital role in ensuring grid reliability and round-the-clock power supply. States investing in both generation and transmission infrastructure are better positioned to manage higher shares of clean energy.
The Kajra Solar project sets a strong precedent for large-scale renewable integration in eastern India and underscores the role of storage-backed solar power in meeting future electricity demand.
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