West Bengal Advances Solar Energy Procurement: WBSEDCL’s Renewable PPAs Approved

West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has submitted applications for the approval of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) executed between West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) and WBSEDCL. These PPAs aim to purchase exportable solar power from the solar power plant at Sagar Dighi Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

The PPAs, executed on 29th November 2023, involve the purchase of solar power generated from a 15-megawatt solar project at Sagar Dighi TPP. This project, funded entirely by the government of West Bengal, comprises both ground-mounted and floating solar PV installations.

In September 2021, the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) allowed WBSEDCL to enter into PPAs for solar power procurement without a competitive bidding process, provided the projects are government-funded. Accordingly, WBSEDCL entered into the PPAs with WBPDCL.

WBSEDCL has sought approval from the commission for these PPAs, emphasizing their importance in meeting renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) and supporting the power system through distributed generation. The commission acknowledges the cost-effectiveness of the project, as it is fully funded by the state government.

In light of promoting renewable energy procurement and fulfilling obligations, the commission approves the PPAs and directs WBPDCL to submit a petition for tariff determination for the 15 MW solar PV plant.

This decision not only benefits WBSEDCL in meeting RPO obligations but also ensures cost-effective power procurement for end consumers, aligning with the state’s sustainability goals.

Please view the document here for more details.