MNRE Adds Five Manufacturers to Approved List, Boosting Solar Module Capacity by 343 MW
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has made updates to its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) with the inclusion of five new entrants. These additions contribute a cumulative module manufacturing capacity of 343 MW to the ALMM. The newly enlisted module manufacturers are SAEL (141 MW), Rhine Solar (43 MW), Spark Solar (42 MW), Genus Innovation (22 MW), and Fujiyama Power Systems (95 MW). With these additions, the ALMM now comprises 82 module manufacturers with a total listed module capacity of 19.19 GW. Notably, the updated ALMM continues to exclude any Chinese manufacturers. The enlistment in ALMM List-1 is based on the requirement that the module efficiency of the models must be equal to or greater than 19%. Manufacturers whose models’ validity expired on March 9, 2023, and did not apply for renewal have been delisted by the ministry.
South Eastern Railway Invites Bids for 13.54 MW Solar Rooftop Projects
In a significant move towards sustainability and clean energy, South Eastern Railway, one of India’s major railway zones, has recently announced its invitation for bids on 13.54 MW solar rooftop projects. This pioneering initiative aims to leverage the power of solar energy and reduce the railway’s carbon footprint. According to the announcement, the bidding process is now open for solar projects in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The projects will be implemented on railway land, including vacant land, railway buildings, and other suitable locations within the railway premises. By utilizing available rooftop space, the railway aims to maximize the generation of renewable energy and make a substantial contribution to India’s ambitious renewable energy goals. The scope of the work also includes 25 years operation and maintenance of the project. The bid submission end date is 19th June 2023 and on the same day it will be opened.
NTPC REL Invites Bids for Solar PV Module Supply in Shahjapur, Bhuj, and Bhadla Solar PV Projects
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has issued an invitation for online bids for the supply of solar PV modules for three solar PV projects: Shahjapur, Bhuj, and Bhadla. The bidding process will consist of two stages: Stage-I involving the submission of the Techno-Commercial Bid, and Stage-II involving the Price Bid. The scope of work for this package includes the manufacturing, supply, packing, forwarding, and transportation of Open Category Crystalline Solar PV Modules, adhering to the specified technical specifications. The solar projects and their respective DC capacities and module types are as follows: Shajapur Unit#1 in Madhya Pradesh with a capacity of 148.05 MWp (Monofacial module), Shajapur Unit#2 in Madhya Pradesh with a capacity of 310.20 MWp, Bhadla in Rajasthan with a capacity of 625 MWp (Bi-facial module), and Bhuj in Gujarat with a capacity of 375 MWp (Bi-facial module). Additionally, spares amounting to 1% of the total quantity are required.
Punjab State Power Corporation Invites Bids for 1000 MW Solar Power Purchase in Punjab
Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) to procure 1000 MW of solar power through a competitive bidding process, followed by an e-Reverse Auction. The RfS is open to grid-connected solar photovoltaic power projects with a capacity of 5 MW and above, located anywhere in Punjab. Interested bidders are required to submit their responses online by July 10, 2023, along with all necessary documents as per Section 3.18B. The physical submission of documents should be made at the tender issuing authority’s office in Patiala by the same date and time. The technical bid opening is scheduled for July 12, 2023, at 11:00 Hrs, followed by the financial bid opening on August 28, 2023, at 11:00 Hrs.
Cabinet Approves Revamped Power Distribution Sector Scheme: A Reforms based and Results linked Scheme
The Scheme will have an outlay of Rs.3,03,758 crore with an estimated GBS from Central Government of Rs.97,631 crore. It is proposed that the currently ongoing approved projects under the Schemes of IPDS, DDUGJY along with PMDP-2015 for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh would be subsumed in this Scheme, and the savings of their GBS (approx. Rs. 17000 crore) would be part of the total outlay of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme under the existing terms and conditions till their sunset on 31″ March, 2022. The funds under these Schemes would be available for the identified projects under IPDS and for the approved ongoing projects under Prime Minister’s Development Program (PMDP) for the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh under IPDS and DDUGJY till 31 March, 2023.
BHEL Invites Bids for Supply and Installation of Inverters for 15 MW GACL Solar Plant at Charanka Solar Park in Gujarat
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Solar Business Division, has issued a tender enquiry for the supply and installation of inverters for the 15 MW GACL PV Power Plant at Charanka Solar Park in Gujarat. The tender inviting officer, AGM/(HOD) MM, has provided the contact details for any inquiries. The project entails the installation of inverters for the GACL 15 MW Solar PV Project located in Patan district, Gujarat. The due date for submission of bids is June 6, 2023, at 2:00 PM, followed by the bid opening on the same day at 2:30 PM.
Government Extends ISTS Waiver for Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Projects Until December 2030 and Grants 25 Yrs ISTS Charge Waiver to Offshore Wind Energy Projects
In a major decision, the Government has decided to grant waiver of ISTS charges to Off-Shore Wind Projects and extend the waiver to Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia . This decision has been taken to facilitate wider execution of offshore wind energy initiatives, to promote the expansion of Green Hydrogen / Green Ammonia Projects and to encourage the offtake of renewable energy from Energy Storage System Projects. As per the notification issued by Ministry of Power, a complete waiver of ISTS charges (Inter-State Transmission Charges) has been given for off-shore wind power projects commissioned on or before 31st December, 2032 for a period of 25 years from the date of commissioning of the Project. The off-shore projects commissioned from 1st January, 2033 would be given graded ISTS charges. Earlier, all wind energy projects were provided waiver upto 30.06.2025. Now, offshore wind would be treated separately, and waiver to these would granted up to 31st Dec, 2032 with graded transmission charges thereafter.
