BluPine Energy and ACME Solar Win in RUVNL’s 1200 MW Solar Power with Storage Auction Tender In India

In a recent development, Solarcraft Power (operating under the name BluPine Energy) and ACME Solar have emerged as victorious bidders in the auction held by Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNL).

The auction aimed at establishing 1,200 MW of solar power projects across India, complete with a dedicated energy storage system capable of supplying power for a minimum of six hours during peak demand periods. BluPine Energy secured 100 MW with a competitive tariff of ₹6.68/kWh, while ACME Solar clinched 500 MW out of the 600 MW initially quoted, at a tariff of ₹6.69/kWh. The relatively elevated tariffs are attributed to the inclusion of the energy storage component.

Although the auction focused on the allocation of 600 MW, no updates have been provided regarding the allocation of the remaining capacity. The tender was floated by RUVNL in March of the current year, with the aim of fulfilling the organization’s renewable purchase obligation targets. As part of the venture, developers are mandated to supply up to 3 MWh of energy per 1 MW of contracted capacity during peak periods (6 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 10 PM).

The projects must be seamlessly integrated into the interstate transmission system (ISTS), with the onus of securing ISTS connectivity lying with the developers. Over the course of the 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA), developers must maintain an annual energy supply ensuring a capacity utilization factor (CUF) between 90% and 120% of the declared value. Furthermore, the solar modules utilized in these projects are required to carry warranties for peak output wattage, guaranteeing a minimum of 90% retention after ten years and 80% after 25 years.