Cabinet Approves ₹ 4,500 Crore PLI Scheme To Boost Solar Equipment Manufacturing
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s proposal for implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme ‘National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV (Photo Voltic) Modules’ for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt (GW) scale in high efficiency solar PV modules with an outlay of Rs.4,500 crore. Solar capacity addition presently depends largely upon imported solar PV cells and modules as the domestic manufacturing industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules. The National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules will reduce import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity. It will also support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
GSECL Tenders for 200 MW Solar Projects at Dholera Solar Park, Gujarat
Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited invites bids for design, engineering, supply & procurement, construction, operation & maintenance of grid connected Solar PV power plant of 4 X 50 MW at Dholera Solar Park, Gujarat. The last date to submit the bids is April 20, 2021. The estimated cost of the tender is ₹8.2 billion.
The successful bidder should submit a security deposit cum performance bank guarantee of 10% of the contract price within seven days of accepting the LoI.
SECI and LAHDC Sign Land Agreement for 50 MW Solar Storage Project in Leh
The central agency implementing the National Solar Mission, SECI and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) signed land agreement for the first of its kind battery storage based solar project of 50 MW in Leh. The project will supply power at Rs 2 per unit, among the cheapest in the country. The project is being built on 289 acres of land at Taru near Leh at an investment of Rs 239 crore and a viability gap funding of Rs 241 crore from the Centre. Four companies, including Vikram Solar and Sterling and Wilson, are in the race for the project, which is likely to be awarded by the month-end. It is expected to be completed by November 2022.
JERC Rejects UT’s Plea on Implementing RESCO Model for Solar Projects
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has turned down the UT administration’s plea of implementing the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model for solar plants installation in the city. After JERC’s decision, the UT administration has now decided to file a review petition before the power regulatory body. The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest) had moved JERC for implementing RESCO model in the city. Crest, project’s nodal agency, had proposed this model after approval of UT administrator V P Singh Badnore as residents were wary of the initial capital investment. Under the Resco model, the UT had planned that private companies will install solar-energy plants on private property, and in return, charge the building owner a much lower tariff (Rs 3.44 per unit) than the normal electricity rate (Rs 2.75 to Rs 5.20) for about 15 years (or whatever period is agreed in the tender). Thereafter, the house owner will get the plant.
MNRE Invites EoIs for Installation of Innovative Solar Pumps
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) invites innovators/manufacturers/service providers to submit expression of interest to participate in the scheme for promotion of innovative solar pump technologies. The applications must reach the ministry latest by April 22, 2021. Purpose of this call for EoIs is to promote innovation in solar pumping sector by allowing the innovators to showcase their technologies in real field conditions. MNRE will shortlist the promising technologies with variable claims for improved parameters and allow the selected innovators to install solar pumps under PM-KUSUM Scheme.
Green Climate Fund Approves USD 137 Million FMO Investment in India
Largest approval by GCF to a single-country equity fund for a private sector climate mitigation program. The Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved Dutch development bank FMO’s proposal to accelerate private and public sector investment in India’s green infrastructure projects. Through the Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), managed by EverSource Capital, the Dutch development bank will invest USD 137mln in the energy value chain, water, waste and transport sectors that promote low carbon and climate-resilient initiatives in line with India’s climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals. The project is FMO’s second collaboration with the GCF, following the USD 100mln that the GCF invested in Climate Investor One in 2019.
ONGC Tenders for 15 MW Solar Plant at Vagra Site in Gujarat
ONGC has issued a tender for the commissioning of a 15 MW (ac) grid-connected solar power plant at its Vagra Site in Gujarat. Scope of Work: Design, engineering, procurement & supply, construction & installation, commissioning, associated transmission system and operation & maintenance of 15 MW (AC)/17.5 MW (DC) solar photovoltaic grid-connected power plant at ONGC Vagra site, Dist. Bharuch, Gujarat. Issue / Sale of Tender document: 6 Apr 2021 10:00am To 17 May 2021 2:00pm ; Last Date of receipt of queries for Pre-bid Conference: 13 Apr 2021
Closing of Tender: 17 May 2021 2:00pm
Opening of Tender: 17 May 2021 3:00pm
NTPC Declares COD of First Part Capacity of 70 MW of 85 MW Bilhaur Solar PV Project in UP
NTPC confirmed that the first part capacity of 70 MW of 85 MW Bilhaur Solar PV Project at Bilhaur, Uttar Pradesh, is declared on Commercial Operation w.e.f. 28.03.2021. The Company confirmed that with this, the commissioned as well as commercial capacity of NTPC and NTPC group has become 51725 MW and 64490 MW respectively.
NTPC is a Maharatna company operating in the power generation business. The principal business activity of the firm is electric power generation through coal based thermal power plants. It also engages in the business of generation of electricity from hydro and renewable energy sources. As of 31 December 2020, the Government of India held 51.10% stake held in NTPC.
