MSEDCL Tenders for 487 MW Solar Projects Under Component A of KUSUM Scheme
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) desires to procure cumulative 487 MW (AC) solar power from decentralised solar projects through competitive bidding process (followed by e-reverse auction) to be connected at distribution network (11/22 KV) under Component-A of “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan” (PM-KUSUM) Scheme in the State of Maharashtra. Pre-bid meeting (through VC) is on 31.08.2021 at 11.00 Hrs and Last date for submission of Technical & Financial bids is 17.09.2021 at 16.00 Hrs. Winning bidders will enter into a power purchase agreement with MSEDCL for a 25 year period. MSEDCL has set the ceiling tariff for this tender at Rs 3.10/unit, with a non refundable processing fee of Rs 5,000 per MW. A net worth requirement of Rs 1 crore per MW makes it a little challenging for farmers who might be interested.
MNRE Issues Benchmark Costs for Rooftop Solar PV Systems for FY22
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a order notifying the latest benchmark costs for the installation of new grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems for the financial year 22. After 10 days from notification, the benchmark cost for FY 22 applies to all projects to be awarded and empanelment of vendors by state implementing agencies under phase-II of the MNRE’s rooftop solar programme. The benchmark costs include solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with domestic cells and modules and inverter (single/3 phase). The balance of the system includes cable, switches, circuit breakers, connectors, junction boxes, mounting structures, earthing, lightning arresters, civil works, installation and commissioning, a five-year comprehensive maintenance contract, transportation, insurance, and taxes. These benchmark costs do not, however, include net metering cost and battery back-up costs. In the state other than special category the benchmark cost for rooftop projects in the rage of 10 KW-100 KW is $41.64 ($0.56)/W. This is 9.6% increased rate over the last year. In special category states like Northeastern States, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar, rates for the capacities of 1kW to 2kW are at 51.67 ($0.70)/W.
NHPC Invites Bids for 100 MW Floating Solar Project in Odisha
NHPC Limited has floated tender inviting bids for an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of 100 MW floating solar power projects, along with the transmission line required to connect the site to the 400 kV substation at the Rengali reservoir in Odisha. The deadline for submitting bids online is 7 October and the opening of bids will take place on 18 October. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for 2 September 2021. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the project’s operation and maintenance (O&M) for the next ten years. Upon notification of award, the project should be completed within 12 months. The bidder must have earlier engaged in the design, supply, and installation of or developed grid-connected solar power projects with a cumulative total installed capacity of at least 40 MW, one of which should be 10 MW or greater. The reference projects of 10 MW or higher capacity for themselves or any other clients at a single location.
Ministry Emphasis Upon Wide Publicity and Awareness of PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Programme
The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh reviewed the progress of implementation of PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II with States/UTs and discussed the issues in the implementation of these Schemes. Shri R.K Singh stated that the joint efforts of Central and States would help in successful implementation of these Schemes and achieving the renewable energy targets of the country. He emphasised on the importance of the PM-KUSUM Scheme for the farmers. The Scheme provide them day-time reliable source of power for irrigation activities and also increasing their income. He discussed with senior officers from States/ UTs about the feeder level solarisation component, which would help in reducing the electricity subsidy, being given for the agriculture sector. He assured that all possible support will be provided for implementation of this Scheme. On the implementation of Rooftop Solar Programme Ph-II, the minister said that the installation of rooftop solar will bring down the electricity consumption of the households and will save the electricity expenditure.
MNRE Updates List-I Under ALMM Order for Solar PV Modules
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued office memorandum with updated list of approved manufacturers in its ALMM (Approved list of module manufacturers) list. The updated list is valid with effect from 17th August 2021 to 16th August 2023. Central Electronics Ltd., Patanjali, and Jakson are the new entrants in the list. The revised list comprised of 26 manufacturers with total domestic approved capacity at 8350 MW. On 10th of March this year the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had issued an all-Indian list of approved Solar PV modules and manufacturers to be used for its projects. Only the 23 manufacturers and their vetted modules included in the list was eligible for use in government and government-assisted projects, schemes, and programmes for projects bid-out on or after April 10, 2021, as per the notification.
