SECI Invites Bids for 1.5 GW ISTS-Connected Renewable Energy Projects in India
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has initiated the bidding process to select renewable energy developers for the supply of 1.5 GW of firm and dispatchable power from Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected renewable energy projects. The scope of the project includes both land and connectivity and will be awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding. The power procured from these projects will be sold to Punjab State Power Corporation and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company. SECI will act as the intermediary nodal agency for the procurement and sale of this power on a back-to-back basis, contingent on the renewable energy developer’s performance and the buying entities. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by September 15, 2023, with bid opening scheduled for September 20.
Punjab State Power Corporation Initiates Bidding for 500 MW Ground-mounted / Floating Solar Power Projects in Punjab
Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) has taken a significant step towards harnessing solar energy by issuing a Request for Selection (RfS) Document for the purchase of 500 MW Solar Power. The procurement will be done through a single-stage two-envelope competitive bidding process, followed by an e-reverse auction. The power will be sourced from ground-mounted or floating solar photovoltaic power projects with a capacity of 2 MW and above, to be set up anywhere in Punjab. The deadline to submit bids online is September 12, 2023, with the bidding process scheduled for September 14. The selected projects are expected to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of signing the PPA.
Self Certification for SPV Inverters Extends till 31st December 2023 under MNRE Quality Control Order
In a recent Gazette Notification, the Central Government has announced an extension of self-certification for Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) inverters under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Quality Control Order 2017. The extension is valid up to 31st December 2023 or until further orders, whichever comes first. Due to limited test facilities and to provide manufacturers with more time for compliance, the government has extended the implementation period for SPV inverters. Manufacturers can now utilize self-certification until 31st December 2023. However, this extension is subject to the condition that the manufacturers hold valid International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certificates corresponding to the relevant Indian Standards (IS) and test reports from accredited laboratories.
PM-KUSUM Scheme Extends till 2026, Empowering Over 2.46 Lakh Farmers with Clean Energy
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme has received an extension, now effective until March 31, 2026. The ambitious program aims to de-dieselize the farm sector, provide water and energy security to farmers, increase their income, and curb environmental pollution. In addition, several modifications have been made to the scheme’s guidelines, including extending the implementation period, relaxing performance bank guarantee requirements, and revising tender conditions to boost installer base and expedite benefits under the scheme. The scheme emphasizes the use of indigenous solar modules and components, promoting the domestic manufacturing sector and self-reliance in renewable energy production.
JDVVNL Announces Three Tenders for 65 Grid-Connected Solar Projects Totaling 163.52 MW
Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JDVVNL) has recently issued three tenders for the installation and commissioning of 65 grid-connected solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 163.52 MW. These projects are intended for various subdivisions of Sri Ganganagar Circle under Component-C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program. The solar projects will be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The three tenders entail capacities of 20.16 MW, 64.26 MW, and 79 MW respectively. Interested bidders must submit their proposals for the 20.16 MW solar projects by August 29, 2023, with the bid opening scheduled for September 1, 2023. For the 64.26 MW projects, the submission deadline is September 4, 2023, and the bid opening is set for September 6, 2023. Similarly, bids for the 79 MW solar projects are to be submitted by September 5, 2023, and the bid opening is scheduled for September 8, 2023.
