India’s Total Installed Power Capacity for Solar Reaches 9.6% in 2019
The Renewable Energy segment (including large hydro) in India accounts for 36% of India’s total power capacity mix at the end of 2019, according to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Of this, renewables (including large hydro) accounted for about 133.2 GW, up from 122.8 GW last year, an 8.5% increase from 2018.
Maharashtra Adopts Tariff of ₹3.05/kWh for 184 MW of Solar Projects
The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has allowed Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MSPGCL) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to procure power from 184 MW of solar projects. The projects are set up by Waaree Energies Limited (WEL) under the state’s Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. The tariff of ₹3.05/kWh discovered through competitive bidding for 25 years has been approved by the commission. The commission has also agreed to MSPGCL and MSEDCL’s request to make the required amendments to the power purchase agreement (PPA) and the power sale agreement (PSA) and submit it to the commission.
Tata Power Solar Awarded 250 MW PV Project from NTPC
Tata Power Solar Systems, has won the 250 MW solar project tender under the central public sector undertakings (CPSU) scheme, according to a letter of award from state-owned utility NTPC Ltd. The CPSU scheme provides viability gap funding support for Indian state-run power generators to set up 12 GW of grid-connected solar PV power projects using domestically made equipment. The capacity is to be built in the next four years. This project is going to be the biggest single order from a third party. It is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ mission.
Only 560 MW is Auctioned by NTPC of the 1,000 MW Solar Capacity Under the DBDT Program
The 1,000 MW solar tender by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) had been under-subscribed with bids received only for 700 MW solar capacity. Of the under-subscribed tender of 700 MW, 80% of the bid capacity 560 MW has been awarded to Tata Power Solar (300 MW), Jakson Limited (110 MW) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)(150 MW). L&T had quoted the price at Rs 19.98 million/MW ($282,102) for 300 MW, but was only allotted capacity of 150 MW following the bucket filling method in the auction. Jakson’s EPC quote bid was for Rs 19.96 million/MW ($281,820) to develop a capacity of 110 MW. Tata Power Solar was the lowest bidder with an EPC quote of Rs 19.2 million/MW ($271,089). The total contract value of Tata Power Solar is Rs 576 crore, Jakson at 219.56 crore and L&T contract value is Rs 299.7 crore (approx).
New Deadline Set For BIS Certification of Solar Inverters As June 30, 2020
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that the deadline for the self-certification of solar inverters has been extended again by six months from December 31, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Understanding the requirement for quality parts in solar projects, the legislature had made it compulsory that laboratories must direct the tests for obligatory registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the execution of the quality order. Considering the capacity, issues identified with testing fees, and the absence of test labs availability, the industry has been seeking more time for compliance since the introduction of the policy. Hence the government has positively extended the self-certification deadline.
Indian Railways to Source 1 GW of Solar Power by 2021-22
Indian Railways is planning to source 1 GW of energy from solar power and about 200 MW from wind energy by 2021-22 across zonal railways and production units. The 1GW of energy is being planned to segregate in two halves ie. 500 MW of rooftop energy for railway buildings and the remaining 500 MW to meet both traction and non-traction requirements, according to a statement by the government. South Central Railways has installed solar panels at stations and service buildings across the zone.
BHEL Floats An O&M Tender for 5MW of Solar Projects in Tamil Nadu In Its Premises
The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has issued a tender for operations and maintenance of a 5 MW solar power project at its premises in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. The scope of work for the project involves the operation and maintenance of the 5 MW solar power project. This would involve the furnishing labor, safety equipment, materials, and tools, among others. The commencement date for the same is March 7, 2020. The contract period is 2 years and the last date of submission of bids is January 31, 2020.
AMP Energy India Launches One of the Largest Behind-the-Meter Distributed Generation Project with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad
AMP Energy India, one of the fastest growing integrated renewable energy solution provider has launched one of the largest ‘Behind-the-Meter distributed generation projects in India’. The project is an 8MW solar project supplying power to L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad on an OPEX basis under a power purchase agreement (PPA)for 25 years. The 8MW solar power project is spread across 25 metro stations, 5 depots out of which 2 depots have ground mounted solar system and 3 depots have roof mounted solar system and 1 carport with elevated solar system.
SunSource Energy Commissions 1.2MW Solar Power Project for Shivamrut
SunSource Energy, a leading provider of solar-based energy and storage solutions to commercial and industrial organizations, has announced the commissioning of its 1.2 MW Solar Power Project for Shivamrut, a leading co-operative milk producer’s union in Maharashtra that provides self-employment to over 40,000 rural families in Maharashtra. The project was inaugurated by Hon’ble Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra (CM), Devendra Fadnavis at Solapur, Maharashtra. The project will supply clean energy to Shivamrut for a period of 10 years and is expected to offset over 15 million kg of CO2 emission over the course of its lifetime.
[…] January 2020, Indian Railways was planning to source 1 GW of energy from solar power and about 200 MW from wind […]