Uttar Pradesh 32.5 MW cancels SPPAs

Uttar Pradesh Commission Cancels SPPAs for 32.5 MW of Bagasse Generation Units
The UPPCL had petitioned the commission for the approval of SPPAs.

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has disapproved three standardized power purchase agreements (SPPAs) for the procurement of 32.5 MW of bagasse-based power from generators by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL).

The UPPCL had filed three separate petitions seeking the approval of SPPA to procure bagasse-based power.

Firstly, the UPPCL had petitioned the UPERC seeking its approval to procure 23 MW of bagasse-based power from DSCL Sugar for a 10-year period. The power would be evacuated through existing transmission system. The UPPCL had proposed a provisional tariff of ₹4.63 (~$0.07)/kWh (after the reduction of transmission cost of ₹0.18 (~$0.002)/kWh) until the discovery of the lowest tariff for the procurement of such power in an auction conducted by UPPCL.

Secondly, the UPPCL had petitioned the commission seeking its approval to procure 6 MW of bagasse-based power from Tikaula Sugar Mills for a 20-year period. The power would be evacuated through the existing transmission system. The UPPCL had proposed a provisional tariff of ₹4.63 (~$0.07)/kWh (after the reduction of transmission cost of ₹0.18 (~$0.002)/kWh) until the discovery of L1 tariff for the procurement of such power in an auction conducted by the UPPCL.

Lastly, the UPPCL had also petitioned the UPERC to approve the procurement of 3.5 MW of bagasse-based power from Superior Industries Limited for a 20-year period. In this case, it was proposed first year tariff would be ₹ 5.56 (~$0.08)/kWh and the PPA duration would be for 12 years (extendable by 20 years) with a levelized tariff of ₹6.19 (~$0.09)/kWh.

In all the above three cases, the UPERC found that when the UPPCL had initiated the process of competitive bidding for the procurement of power, it will be unfair to enter bilateral agreements with mutual consent as it will undermine the sanctity of the bidding process, lead to unfair pricing, and give the generator advantage.

Instead, the UPERC has directed the UPPCL to finalize the bidding process at the earliest for the procurement of bagasse-based power.

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) amended clauses in the policy to support the promotion of biomass-based cogeneration projects in sugar mills and other industries in the country up to March 2020. MNRE had announced the program in May 2018.

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has disapproved three standardized power purchase agreements (SPPAs) for the procurement of 32.5 MW of bagasse-based power from generators by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL).

The UPPCL had filed three separate petitions seeking the approval of SPPA to procure bagasse-based power.

Firstly, the UPPCL had petitioned the UPERC seeking its approval to procure 23 MW of bagasse-based power from DSCL Sugar for a 10-year period. The power would be evacuated through existing transmission system. The UPPCL had proposed a provisional tariff of ₹4.63 (~$0.07)/kWh (after the reduction of transmission cost of ₹0.18 (~$0.002)/kWh) until the discovery of the lowest tariff for the procurement of such power in an auction conducted by UPPCL.

Secondly, the UPPCL had petitioned the commission seeking its approval to procure 6 MW of bagasse-based power from Tikaula Sugar Mills for a 20-year period. The power would be evacuated through the existing transmission system. The UPPCL had proposed a provisional tariff of ₹4.63 (~$0.07)/kWh (after the reduction of transmission cost of ₹0.18 (~$0.002)/kWh) until the discovery of L1 tariff for the procurement of such power in an auction conducted by the UPPCL.

Lastly, the UPPCL had also petitioned the UPERC to approve the procurement of 3.5 MW of bagasse-based power from Superior Industries Limited for a 20-year period. In this case, it was proposed first year tariff would be ₹ 5.56 (~$0.08)/kWh and the PPA duration would be for 12 years (extendable by 20 years) with a levelized tariff of ₹6.19 (~$0.09)/kWh.

In all the above three cases, the UPERC found that when the UPPCL had initiated the process of competitive bidding for the procurement of power, it will be unfair to enter bilateral agreements with mutual consent as it will undermine the sanctity of the bidding process, lead to unfair pricing, and give the generator advantage.

Instead, the UPERC has directed the UPPCL to finalize the bidding process at the earliest for the procurement of bagasse-based power.

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) amended clauses in the policy to support the promotion of biomass-based cogeneration projects in sugar mills and other industries in the country up to March 2020. MNRE had announced the program in May 2018.

20 MW Floater Solar Power Project up

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR Development of 20 MW Floater Solar Power Project at the Reservoir of NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Plant at Dibiyapur in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh (International Competitive Bidding).

MSEDCL seeking approval

Case of MSEDCL seeking approval to Bidding Documents for Long Term procurement (25 years) of 1000 MW Solar power from 10 clusters of 100 MW Floating Solar Projects to be developed on Ujjani Dam, Solapur through Competitive Bidding process for meeting the Renewable Purchase Obligations.

60 nos. Rooftop Grid Connected Solar PV Power purulia district

Design & Engineering, Manufacture/Procurement, Testing, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 60 nos. Rooftop Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants each of array capacity 10 kWp including five (5) years Comprehensive Maintenance on turnkey Basis in Jhargram & Purulia District.

REQUEST FOR SELECTION (RfS) FOR PROCUREMENT OF 500 MW

REQUEST FOR SELECTION (RfS) FOR PROCUREMENT OF 500 MW WIND POWER ON LONG TERM BASIS THROUGH COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS (FOLLOWED BY REVERSE E- AUCTION) FROM INTRA-STATE WIND POWER PROJECTS.

Pre-Bid Tie-Up for Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 1 KWp

Pre-Bid Tie-Up for Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 1 KWp Rooftop Solar PV Power Plants Off Grid including one year warranty and 4 years Annual Maintenance Contract in 843 Schools in Jammu and Kashmir State.

SDMC, SECI ink MoU to develop two solar plants

SDMC, SECI ink MoU to develop two solar plants
The work on the two units is likely to begin in the first half of April next year, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said.

New Delhi: The municipal body for south Delhi Friday signed an agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for developing two solar plants for generating total power worth 27.5 MW, officials said. The work on the two units is likely to begin in the first half of April next year, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said.

"The SDMC inked an MoU with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for generation of total 27.5 MW power from two separate solar plants, at Ghuman Hera near Najafgarh in Delhi, and a piece of land owned by the SDMC in Faridabad in Haryana," it said in a statement.

The agreement has been signed in continuation with the government of India's initiative on green energy concept and solar initiative of the SDMC.

The SDMC has decided to utilise these vacant land for installation of solar plants. The MoU was exchanged by SDMC Commissioner P K Goel and Director of SECI Shailender Kumar Mishra.

South Delhi Mayor Narender Chawla said in Haryana, the site has been identified at Ferozpur village.

"At Ghuman Hera (105 acres) and Ferozpur (9.45 acres) of land is available for setting up the solar plants. After a detailed study, the solar energy plants of estimated capacity 25 MW and 2.5 MW have been planned at Ghuman Hera and Ferozpur. They are expected to be commissioned in 18 months after the start of work," he said.

Chawla said the estimated cost for the projects at Ghuman Hera and Ferozpur are Rs 145 crore and Rs 20 crore respectively. The funds for this project will be generated through public bonds, and action for this has already been initiated.

SDMC's Standing Committee Chairperson Shikha Rai said the SDMC will save Rs 22.5 crore per annum from the Ghuman Hera project and earn Rs 1.55 crore from exporting energy generated by Ferozepur plant.

She said the commissioning of the two plants is in tune with SDMC's commitment to minimise consumption of thermal power, conserve natural resources and environment and earn huge savings.

DiSPA Asks Haryana to Remove Upper Cap of 500 MW

DiSPA Asks Haryana to Remove Upper Cap of 500 MW for Open Access Solar Projects
The removal will ensure that corporates who want to buy clean green energy can do so easily.

The Distributed Solar Power Association (DiSPA) has petitioned the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) to remove the 500 MW cap for open access solar projects.

According to DiSPA, the Haryana Solar Policy 2016 emphasizes on the development and promotion of solar power generation as a primary objective. In order to achieve this objective, the policy has specifically provided for generation subsidies and incentives for the development and installation of rooftop grid connected and off-grid solar power projects. Towards this end, waiver of open access charges for solar power projects have been provided for in the state solar policy as a subsidy. However, in its Renewable Energy Tariff regulations 2017, HERC later exempted the said charges but introduced a cap of 500 MW of aggregate solar capacity under open access.

According to DiSPA, “The HERC has also allowed DISCOMs to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations by the electricity generated form such projects. Recently, it also revised new solar RPO trajectory, which is 8 percent by 2022. This translates to solar capacity of 2,000 MW assuming a load growth of three percent. Current solar base in the state is only 48.80 MW; therefore, a larger push is required to promote solar. Solar projects under open access will play a vital role in this, provided same treatment is offered to all projects set up under the control period of the order. These projects will offer electricity at a reasonable rate to the industry which will help them expand their base in the state and also bring a large investment.”

Removing the cap offers dual benefits besides, improving transmission efficiency (being a distributed generation), creating job opportunities and improving the living standards of land owners. Additionally, they will also enable DISCOMs in replacing the costlier power purchased from inter-state conventional generating sources. Thus, offering significant savings on energy charges and annual revenue requirement.

Solar developers are keen to set up the open access projects in Haryana beyond 500 MW. HAREDA (nodal agency) has already received the application for more than 1,500 MW under the order and therefore, the exemption needs to be extended beyond 500 MW without offering any differential treatment neither to consumers or generators, according to an emailed response by DiSPA.

In October 2018, Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) had issued guidelines for MW-scale ground mounted and rooftop projects, for captive consumption or third party sale, under the Haryana Solar Power Policy 2016.

The guidelines provide a policy framework to enable the expansion of MW capacity solar power projects, facilitate their implementation, enhance the confidence of project developers, and fulfill renewable purchase obligation (RPO) requirements. HERC had approved regulations for the control period from FY2017-18 to FY2020-21.

According to the guidelines, “Wheeling charges, cross-subsidy charges, transmission and distribution charges and additional surcharges will be completely waived for third party sale or open access consumers of energy from ground mounted or rooftop solar projects commissioned during the control period. The waivers are applicable until the state achieves its goal of 500 MW of installed capacity.”

According to Guru Inder Mohan Singh, COO of Amplus Energy Solutions and the President of DiSPA, “There is a huge requirement from commercial and industrial and corporate consumers in the state of Haryana. Now, 500 MW of solar capacity will supply 150 MW equivalent on conventional energy when we account for plant load factor (PLF). This is nothing as Haryana is home to national as well as multinational corporates.”

“We have requested HERC to remove this upper cap of 500 MW for open access solar so that corporates who want to buy clean green energy can do so freely and easily. This will also result in a greater number of ground-mounted as well as rooftop solar projects in Haryana. According to me, Haryana has open access solar PV potential of up to 2,000 MW and upper cap will inhibit the state in realizing this potential,” added Singh.

Singh also said that the removal of upper cap will mean that more developers will venture into open access solar in Haryana, which does not have that many solar project installations. Compared to Punjab, a state with similar land area, Haryana has nothing to show in terms of solar installations. Removal of cap will usher in growth of solar in the state and also provide some added income to farmers in the form of rent collected by leasing land for solar projects.

According to  Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker,  Haryana only has 60 MW of installed solar capacity to date.

768 Nos. of 5 KWp jammu kashmir state

Pre-bid Tie-up for Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of approx. 768 Nos. of 5 KWp Rooftop Solar PV Power plants Hybrid Grid Tied with Battery Bank including 5 years operation and maintenance in Jammu and Kashmir State.

Bids for up solar energy projects

Adani Group, Tata Power, NTPC win bids for UP solar energy projects.

Adityanath govt targeting Rs 500-bn investment in solar power space

Adani Group, Tata Power and NTPC are among the six energy majors who have been selected by the Uttar Pradesh government to develop nine solar power projects in the state.

These projects pertain to different installed capacities, ranging from 25 megawatt (Mw) to 100 Mw, and collectively amount to 550 Mw. They are meant for supplying grid-connected power to the state, which is ramping up its renewable energy portfolio.

UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) had invited tariff based e-bids from companies under the new UP Solar Energy Policy 2017. The bidding terms had allowed bidders to submit more than one bid. It garnered a good response from private sector companies, who oversubscribed the bids by almost 45 per cent.

According to UP Energy Principal Secretary Alok Kumar, NTPC had been awarded a solar project for 85 Mw, while Bastille Solar was awarded two projects of 70 Mw each. Giriraj Renewables won the bid for a 100-Mw plant, while Adani Group’s solar energy arm, Mahoba Solar (UP), won the bid for two projects of 25 Mw and 50 Mw.

Meanwhile, Tata Power Renewables Energy has won the bid for two projects of 50 Mw each, while Jakson Power has won a solar energy project of 50-Mw capacity.

To promote green energy and reduce overdependence on coal-fired power, the state government is promoting solar power parks under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model. The state is eyeing solar energy generation of 10,700 Mw by 2022.

Besides, the government is eyeing private investment of almost Rs 55 billion in the proposed Bundelkhand Green Energy Corridor, which is expected to generate solar power totalling 4,000 Mw. The proposed corridor would be part funded by the Centre.

The government would foot the expenditure on evacuating power from solar energy projects of 5 Mw and above onto the grid in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions.

The state has also announced it would provide 100 per cent exemption in electricity duty to the private solar power companies for 10 years, while they would be free to sell power to third parties as well. The sale of power within and outside UP would also get 50 per cent and 100 per cent exemption in transmission charges, the minister informed.

On account of the rising power demand due to incremental growth, coupled with the government’s target to provide metered electricity to all the households by next year, the state has projected total power supply to touch 22,500 Mw by the next peak summer season.

While, the government is trying to ramp up solar power generation through on-grid and off-grid solar power plants, including rooftop solar power installations, the grid transmission capacity is also being fortified to handle higher loads to prevent tripping.

The Adityanath government is targeting an investment of Rs 500 billion in the solar power space.

270 kw floating SPV power plant

Installation and Commissioning of 270 kWp Floating SPV Power Plant at Muradpur Lift Irrigation Project, Wadgaon Dam, Nagpur

Tender Value in Rs. : 2 Crores 70 Lakhs.

Maharashtra 1400 mw solar tender

Maharashtra’s 1,400 MW Solar Tender Undergoes Changes in RfS Provisions and PPA
The capacity was tendered in September 2018.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has amended a number of provisions in its request for selection (RfS) and power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 1,400 MW solar tender that was issued in September 2018.

The 1,400 MW (AC) of solar projects are slated to be developed in 30 circles of the state: While 50 MW of solar projects will be developed in 26 circles, 25 MW of solar projects will be developed in 4 circles.

Key Amendments

The projects must be commissioned within a period of 18 months from the date of execution of the PPA. Initially, this period was 15 months.
In the case of a delay in commissioning of the project up to three months, MSEDCL will encash the performance bank guarantee on a daily basis which will be proportionate to the balance capacity not commissioned. Initially, this encashment procedure began after six months.
In the case the commissioning of the project is delayed beyond three months, the tariff discovered will be reduced at the rate of ₹50 (~$0.006)/kWh for each day of delay in the remaining capacity not commissioned for the entire term of the PPA.
The maximum time period allowed for commissioning of the project with encashment of the performance bank guarantee and reduction in the fixed tariff will be 25 months from the date of PPA or until the tariff becomes zero.
Earnest money deposit at the rate of ₹500,000 (~$6,942)/MW for each project must be submitted in the form of a bank guarantee. It must be valid for six months from the bid-submission deadline.
Generation loss due to non-availability of grid for evacuation will be compensated by MSEDCL at 75 percent of the PPA tariff. Previously, this was only 50 percent of PPA tariff.
MSEDCL has extended the project commissioning timeframe and also intends to pay more for the ensued generation loss due to non-availability of an evacuation infrastructure. The new amendments coupled with the fact that MSEDCL has kept a tariff ceiling of ₹3.10 (~$ 0.043)/kWh for this tender may lead to participation from more developers.

Recently, the MSEDCL issued a tender for the purchase of power on a long term basis from 1,000 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic power projects (Phase – II).

Ntpc bid submission 1.2 GW

NTPC Extends Bid Submission Deadline for its 1.2 GW Solar Tender
The new bid-submission deadline is January 3, 2019.

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has extended the bid submission deadline for the tender to set up 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the western region of India. The new bid-submission deadline is January 3, 2019.

The technical bids will be opened on January 4, 2019. The minimum bid capacity is 50 MW and the maximum a single bidder can bid for is 600 MW. There is no upper tariff ceiling for this tender.

The grid-connected solar PV projects will be developed on build own operate (BOO) basis. The NTPC has stated that the projects will be developed near NTPC switchyards. The scope of work includes the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected ISTS-connected solar PV projects.

NTPC had tendered the capacity in November 2018, with bid-submission deadline of December 19, 2018.

When contacted, an NTPC official said, “NTPC was approached to provide some more time to prepare bids and it has obliged. We are aiming at high levels of participation from the project developers.”

Recently, NTPC also issued a tender for enlisting solar PV module manufacturers and suppliers. The enlisted manufacturers or suppliers will supply modules for NTPC’s self-owned solar PV projects.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, NTPC has 874 MW of commissioned solar projects in the country. In the recent auction for 550 MW of solar projects by the  Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), NTPC quoted the lowest tariff of ₹3.02 (~$0.0431)/kWh to develop 85 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects.

In September 2018, NTPC had invited bids for solar module package for the development of Anta solar project located at Baran district in Rajasthan.

Karnataka solar parks 10MW

Tender Issued for 50 MW of Projects at Karnataka’s Pavagada Solar Park
The projects will be developed in 4 blocks, two of 10 MW each, and two of 15 MW.

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has issued a tender for the selection of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for developing 50 MW (10 MW x 2 blocks + 15 MW x 2 blocks) of grid-connected solar projects at Pavagada Solar Park, located in Tumkur district of Karnataka.

The scope of work includes the EPC, design, supply, erection, installation, testing, and commissioning of the project with associated transmission system and operation and maintenance (O&M).

The successful bidder will also be responsible for the O&M of the project for a period of 10 years.

The last date for the bid submission is December 20, 2018. The techno-commercial bid will open on December 22, 2018. The opening date of price bid will be informed later.

The Pavagada solar park covers 13,000 acres and is expected to have total capacity of 2 GW when it is complete. To facilitate development, the park has been divided into eight blocks of 250 MW each that will have a dedicated high voltage supply lines, pooling stations, and a pooling substation for evacuation.

In January 2018, KREDL had tendered 1,200 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects to be developed at Pavagada. However, KREDL was able to auction merely  550 MW of the tendered capacity due to poor response from bidders amid various ongoing uncertainties in the solar sector.

In April 2018, KREDL retendered 650 MW of grid-connected solar projects to be developed at the Pavagada Solar Park. KREDL then  awarded 250 MW of solar projects each to Fortum Corporation and Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL).

In June 2018, Mercom reported that KREDL issued a tender for the development of 150 MW (50 MW x 3 blocks) of grid connected solar projects at Pavagada.

According to the Mercom India Solar Project Tracker, Karnataka has installed large-scale solar capacity of over 5.3 GW and has a development pipeline of ~2.5 GW, making it the leading solar state.

Maharashtra tender 1GW solar projects

Maharashtra Announces Tender for 1 GW of Solar Projects with a Ceiling Tariff of ₹2.80/kWh
The last date for the bid submission is January 3, 2019.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a tender for the purchase of power on long term basis from 1,000 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power projects (Phase – II).

In this tender, the MSEDCL has set the ceiling tariff at ₹2.80 (~$0.039)/kWh and will enter into power purchase agreement (PPA) with the selected bidder for a period of 25 years.

The last date for the bid submission is January 3, 2019. The technical bids will open on the same date. The date of opening of the financial bids will be informed to the eligible bidders later.

The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the projects is ₹600,000 (~$8,451)/MW.

The minimum capacity for the intra-state solar project is 5 MW at a single location with the minimum bid capacity of 5 MW for projects that are outside a solar park. In case of inter-state projects, the minimum project capacity will be 50 MW at a single location with the minimum bid capacity of 50 MW. A bidder has been allowed only a single bid in this tender.

Moreover, projects that are under construction, or not yet commissioned, and projects that are commissioned but do not have a long-term PPA and are selling power only on short-term basis, will be considered for this tender in case these projects are not already accepted under any other central or state schemes and do not have any obligations towards existing buyers. Foreign companies can also participate and those participating in the bidding process will be registered as companies as per the rules of their country of origin.

To be eligible to bid, the net-worth of the bidder for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2018 should not be less than ₹5.5 million (~$77,470/MW).

It will be bidder’s responsibility to get the required grid connectivity for the projects.

Maharashtra has taken huge strides in recent times when it comes to expansion of solar projects in the state. Only a couple of months ago, MSEDCL issued a tender to develop 1,400 MW (AC) of solar projects in 30 circles of the state. 50 MW solar projects will be developed in 26 circles, while 25 MW solar projects will be developed in four circles. These circles have been categorized under four regions: Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Rest of Maharashtra. Before that, it also tendered 1 GW of solar projects to be developed under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana.

Ntpc issues tender to enlist solar module

NTPC Issues Tender to Enlist Solar Module Suppliers and Manufacturers
Enlisted vendors will supply modules for NTPC’s solar projects.

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has issued a tender for enlisting solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers and suppliers. The enlisted manufacturers or suppliers will supply modules for NTPC’s self-owned solar PV projects.

Last date of submitting the enlistment application is December 11, 2018. The scope of work includes the manufacture, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, and storage at the project site.

The specification for the solar PV modules must be crystalline with a minimum 300 Wp nominal rating and thin film based with a minimum 112.5 Wp nominal rating.

This is an international tender and any module manufacturer or supplier can participate, an NTPC official told Mercom.

The NTPC official also added, “Once the vendors are enlisted, we will issue tenders for the supply of solar PV modules for specific projects where they will participate.”

“Now, even for EPC contracts, there has been a slight change in how NTPC awards contracts, in order to focus on increasing the quality. Now for self-owned projects, the NTPC will be procuring modules separately and awarding the remaining contract to an EPC contractor,” added the official.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, NTPC has 874 MW of commissioned solar projects in the country. In the recent auction for 550 MW of solar projects by the  Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), NTPC quoted the lowest tariff of ₹3.02 (~$0.0431)/kWh to develop 85 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects.

In September 2018, NTPC had invited bids for solar module package for the development of Anta solar project located at Baran district in Rajasthan.

Himachal Pradesh government has allotted the 780MW

Himachal Pradesh government has allotted the 780MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari hydro electric project in Kinnaur district to SJVN Limited on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis for a period of 70 years. 

Nand Lal Sharma, chairman and managing director of SJVN, assured that the company would complete the project on time and would contribute significantly in the overall development of the project affected area. According to him, SJVN has necessary infrastructure and that the current installed generation capacity of SJVN is 2,003.2MW (comprising of 1,912MW hydro, 85.6MW wind power and 5.6MW solar power). 

ZESCO/095/2018 - Tender for Procurement of Engineering, Design, Supply, Installation

ZESCO/095/2018 - Tender for Procurement of Engineering, Design, Supply, Installation,
Testing and Commissioning of High Voltage Power Reactors for Nambala – Kalumbila
330kV Double Circuit Transmission Lines
1. The Government of The Republic of Zambia has received financing from the African
Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Agence Francaise
de Development (AFD) in various currencies towards the cost of Procurement of
Engineering, Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Itezhi Tezhi
Hydro Power and Transmission Line Project. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this
loan/financing will be applied to eligible payments under the contract for Procurement of
Engineering, Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of High Voltage
Power Reactors for Nambala – Kalumbila 330kV Double Circuit Transmission Lines.
2. ZESCO Limited now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the construction and
completion of Procurement of Engineering, Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and
Commissioning of High Voltage Power Reactors for Nambala – Kalumbila 330kV
Double Circuit Transmission Lines (hereinafter called “the Facilities”). International
Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the AfDB’s Rules and
Procedures for Procurement of Goods and Works, and, specifically, through Single Stage
Bidding Procedures.
3. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from and inspect the bidding
documents at ZESCO Limited, Procurement and Stores Division Offices situated at RCC
Building within ZESCO Limited Head Office Premises, Adjacent to ZESCO Limited
Filling Station at Stand Number 6949, Great East Road, P. O Box 33304, Lusaka,
Zambia. E-mail: procurement@zesco.co.zm.
4. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders
at the address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of K1,000.00 or its equivalent
in any freely convertible currency. The method of payment will be Cash or Bank
(Managers) Cheque issued by a recognized Commercial Bank acceptable to the
Purchaser, or direct deposit or transfer of funds into the Purchaser’s Bank account with
evidence of such deposit as follows:
BANK NAME : Indo-Zambia Bank Limited
ADDRESS : Plot No. 6907, P.O. Box 35411, Cairo Road,
Lusaka, Zambia
ACCOUNT NAME : ZESCO Limited – Corporate Head Office
The provisions in the Instructions to Bidders and in the General Conditions are those of the
Bank’s Standard Bidding Document for Procurement of Plant Design, Supply, and
Installation.
6. Bids must be deposited in the Tender Box situated at ZESCO Limited, Procurement and
Stores Division Offices situated at RCC Building within ZESCO Limited Head Office
Premises, Adjacent to ZESCO Limited Filling Station at Stand Number 6949, Great East
Road, Lusaka, Zambia. Bids must be appropriately bound, sealed and clearly bold labeled
“ZESCO/095/2018 - Tender for Procurement of Engineering, Design, Supply,
Installation, Testing and Commissioning of High Voltage Power Reactors for Nambala
– Kalumbila 330kV Double Circuit Transmission Lines”. Bids must be deposited on or
before Friday 18 January 2019 at 10:30 hours local time and must be accompanied by a
security of not less than USD120,000.00. TELEGRAPHIC AND OR ELECTRONIC BIDS
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
7. Bids shall remain valid for 120 days after the deadline for bid submission prescribed above.
8. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at
10:30 hours local time on Friday 18 January 2019 in the Conference Room, ZESCO
Limited, Ground Floor, Procurement and Stores Division Offices situated at RCC
Building within ZESCO Limited Head Office Premises, Adjacent to ZESCO Limited
Filling Station at Stand Number 6949, Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia.
BRIAN C. KAMBOLE
SENIOR MANAGER PROCUREMENT AND STORES

1500 kvp solar photovoltaic power plant

PROVN OF SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC POWER PLANT 1500 KVp AT AF STATION LEH

Tender Value in Rs. : 11 Crores 81 Lakhs.

35 MW of rooftop solar project

Tender Announced for 35 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects in Delhi
These projects will be developed in eight parts under CAPEX and RESCO models.

Delhi’s Indraprastha Power Generation Co. Ltd. (IPGCL) has issued a tender for 35 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects in Delhi under the Mukhyamantri Solar Power Program.

Project developers, technology providers, system integrators, Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCO), EPC contractors can participate in the tender.

The rooftop solar PV projects will be installed atop residential, social and institutional sectors. These projects will be developed in eight parts under both CAPEX (Part A, B, C, D, and E) and RESCO (Part A, B, and C) models.

Last date for bid submission is December 21, 2018. Techno-commercial bids will open on the same date.

The entire responsibility of finding the buildings lies with the bidder. IPGCL or the state nodal agency (SNA) may provide help in the matter.

Earlier, Mercom reported that Delhi state government has announced Mukhyamantri Solar Power Program under which Delhi residents adopting rooftop solar projects and residing in co-operative group housing societies (CGHS) will not have to shell out a single penny anymore for the installation of rooftop solar PV systems.

The Delhi state government is also giving a generation-based incentive (GBI) of ₹2 (~$0.0274)/kWh on solar generation for a three-year period from financial year (FY) 2016-17 to FY 2018-19 under the Delhi Solar Policy. The GBI is disbursed on an annual basis by power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Recently, the Delhi government approved the Mukhyamantri Solar Power Program to give the necessary and required impetus to solar power and its adoption in Delhi. This program will apply to domestic (residential) sector consumers in Delhi.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, as of November 2018, Delhi has an installed rooftop solar capacity of over 105 MW.

West bengal tender for 2MW rooftop solar projects

West Bengal Issues Tender for 2 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects
Projects to be set up in residential, institutional and social sectors.

The West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) has tendered 2 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects to be developed on customers’ premises in residential, institutional, and social sectors.

WBREDA will empanel vendors to execute these projects. The bid-submission deadline is December 27, 2018.

The grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects will be developed in two categories; Type A will have system size range of 5 kW to 10 kW and benchmark cost of ₹60 (~$0.858)/W, Type B will have system size range of 10 kW to 100 kW and benchmark cost of ₹55 (~$0.78)/W.

Moreover, a central Financial Assistance (CFA) from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be provided at the rate of 30 percent of the accepted L1 price or the benchmark cost; whichever is lower.

For Type A projects, the bidder must have a local maintenance setup for at least last one year anywhere in West Bengal. For Type B projects, if the bidder does not have maintenance setup in West Bengal, they have to establish one within two months from the date of issuance of the Letter of Allotment.

A single bidder can bid for a maximum 100 kW for Type A project and 300 kW for Type B project.

After opening of the price bids, an offer will be given to all technically qualified bidders under each project category to match their price to L1 price under respective project category without permitting any deviation other than the quoted rate. The bidders, who will agree to accept the L1 price, will be empaneled.

According to WBREDA, Type A projects will have a cumulative capacity of 500 kW and Type B projects will have a cumulative capacity of 1,500 kW.

The project completion time will be 180 days from the date of issuance of allotment letter.

In June 2018, WBREDA retendered a 10 MW grid‑connected solar project to be developed in Bhajanghat in the state’s Nadia district. According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, West Bengal has an installed solar capacity of just 64 MW. The state also has approximately 46 MW of solar projects in the pipeline.

Delhi resco model

Delhi’s Residential Solar Program Offers Guaranteed Payment Security to Installers
The program aims at rooftop solar installations under the RESCO model.

The Delhi government recently approved the Mukhyamantri Solar Power Program to give the necessary and required impetus to solar power and its adoption in Delhi. This program will apply to domestic (residential) sector consumers in Delhi.

The government recognizes the fact that the solar installations on government buildings and educational institutions are about 105 MW compared to the 5 MW installations so far in the residential segment. To bridge this gap and realize the concept of “Solarize Delhi” under the Delhi Solar Policy 2016, the government realizes this huge untapped potential has to be utilized.

According to the government, a good part of solar power potential in the residential segment is on the rooftops of approximately 1,990 registered co-operative group housing societies in Delhi that have shown interest in installation under the RESCO model. But due to lack of payment security mechanism, rooftop installers were reluctant to offer their services resulting in power rates in societies remaining higher in comparison to rates for government buildings.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved 40 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects for the domestic/institutional/social segment for Delhi under its subsidy  schemes, allowing award of work order within six months and project completion time of 15 months from the date of approval.

To attract more installers under the RESCO model and for better financing to developers, the government recognized the need for a bankable PPA and guaranteed payment security mechanism for installers. In tenders for government buildings it was observed that more installers’ participation with better financing options lead to competitive rates. In a good tender, the government noticed that the levelized rates for 50 kW or more capacity would come down. Considering a three percent annual escalation in solar tariff, with a Generation Based Incentive (GBI) of ₹2.00 ($0.029)/kWh, the solar tariff could be in the range of ₹1.00-1.50 ($0.014-0.021)/kWh in initial years. In tenders for government buildings, levelized tariff discovered in Indraprastha Power Generation Co. Ltd. (IPGCL) tenders were ₹3.30-3.64 ($0.047-0.052)/kWh for solar capacity above 50 kW. With this background and research, the Delhi government has launched the program.

Key Highlights of the Program:

This program will target group housing societies (GHS).
There will be emphasis on RESCO model of solar installation for larger installations.
GBI is extended for a period of five years starting from 2019-20. It will also cover solar installations in residential sector including GHS; both for existing solar installation and new installations for which MNRE approval has been obtained.
For a typical solar power project, this will amount to GBI payment of ₹13,000 (~$186)/kW in five years. This payment will amount to 22-25 percent of benchmark costs.
GBI disbursement will be made on half-yearly basis so that consumers have government support in form of GBI in the first year of solar installation without affecting the matter of quality.
The instrument of GBI will also be used as the payment security mechanism. In case a consumer fails to make payment to the installer, GBI may be passed on to the installer.
This payment security mechanism for five years will be applicable to RESCO model.
The new GBI will also cover already installed solar plants till new tenders are finalized. Such installation will be allowed GBI benefits for five years period from the date of installation.
IPGCL will be the bid coordinator on behalf of power department.
The new policy has drawn its elements from some of the best practices of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL)’s auction to develop 35 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar under RESCO model.

Payment security guarantee by Delhi government will make a strong case for better financing to intallers which in turn can benefit consumers. As an effect of the existence of payment security mechanism, the rates can fall below Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC) and in such cases the customers will be further incentivized to install solar systems beyond the sanctioned load.

The Delhi government has been making various strides for the expansion of renewable energy in meeting its energy requirements and to combat the deteriorating air quality. Recently, the Delhi government also approved Mukhyamantri Agriculture-cum Solar Farm Program to increase farmer’s income and achieve the state’s solar target as per the Delhi Solar Policy 2016.

Kerala under ipp mode

200 MW of Solar Projects to be Developed in Kerala under IPP Mode
Kerala State Electricity Board had filed a petition seeking approval for the projects to meet its RPO.

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has approved the petition filed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) seeking its nod for 200 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be developed in Kerala on Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode.

KSEB had sought the approval as it wants to procure solar to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).

KSEB had proposed the following deviations from the bidding guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power:

To set the minimum capacity as 1 MW instead of 5 MW.
Regarding land acquisition, KSEB wanted the 12-month period to begin after the issuance of Letter of Award (LoA) instead of the date of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Ceiling tariff for the projects to be ₹3.50 (~0.04952)/kWh.
To introduce a review option: After a period of 15 years from the commercial operating date (COD) of the project, the minimum capacity utilization factor (CUF) to be reviewed based on past performance and be brought down up to 14 percent to take care of panel degradation.
No payment security mechanism.
The solar power generator has to attain the financial closure within 12 months from the date of issuance of Letter of Acceptance instead of the date of execution of the PPA.
The project to be commissioned within a period of 21 months from the date of Letter of Acceptance instead of the date of execution of the PPA.
While examining the petition and submissions made by KSEB, the KSERC opined, “It is a fact that KSEB is far short of achieving the fixed solar RPO targets. As an obligated entity, KSEB has to meet the RPO targets either by its own generation or by procuring solar power from the sources within or outside the state. Hence, KSEB can take steps to procure power from solar projects within the state or outside.”

Keeping in mind the scarcity of land in Kerala, the commission approved the minimum capacity for 1 MW for the solar project at a single location. KSERC also approved setting ₹3.50 (~0.04952)/kWh as the tariff ceiling for solar tender by KSEB. The commission also approved a panel degradation rate of 0.5 percent/annum over the contracted CUF specified in the bid documents, limiting the range of CUF after 15 years between 14.8 percent to 17.58 percent.

KSERC declined KSEB’s proposal to revise period of land acquisition, financial closure, and the commissioning schedule. Instead, it ordered KSEB to follow the Ministry of Power guidelines in these matters. The commission ordered the KSEB to provide at least one mode of payment security mechanism prescribed in the standard bidding guidelines for procurement of 200 MW solar PV.

In February 2018, KSERC approved ₹3.90 (~$0.062)/kWh as the interim tariff for the electricity supplied from the 50 MW Kasargod Solar Park set up in Ambalathara village of Kasargod district.

After a long gap, states have now been securing approval from their respective regulatory commissions to issue tenders for procuring solar. Recently, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) tendered 500 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The bid-submission deadline is December 27, 2018.

Hartek power for 400 kv power grid

Hartek Power bags 400-KV power grid order
The project would spread over three states encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

New Delhi: Hartek Power, the engineering procurement construction (EPC) arm of the Chandigarh-based Hartek Group, has bagged a 400-kilovolt (KV) substation project from Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL).

The project would spread over three states encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It will cater to a population of about seven crore and is scheduled for completion by February 2020, the company said.

The scope of work of the project entails complete execution of the substation package involving the conversion of fixed-line reactors into switchable line reactors with the purpose of curtailing outages.

PGCIL is heavily investing in upgrading low- and high-voltage substations to extra-high-voltage substations to ease pressure on transmission lines caused by rapid surges in electricity flow.

Merc ppa for solar project

MERC Approves PPAs for Solar Projects Totaling 235 MW in Maharashtra
Projects are being developed under Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana.

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved power purchase agreements (PPAs) for grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects totaling 235 MW.

MERC reviewed a petition filed by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) regarding approval for the long-term procurement of 235 MW of solar power under Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana with a set of 2 to 10 MW capacity projects connected in order to meet MSEDCL’s solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).

In April 2018, MSEDCL tendered 1 GW of solar PV projects to be developed under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. During financial bid, MSEDCL received bids for 285 MW of cumulative solar capacity and rates ranged from ₹3.09 (~$0.044)/kWh to ₹3.30 ($0.047)/kWh.

MSEDCL later negotiated with the bidders to reduce their tariff rates. As a result, bidders submitted a revised tariff rate of ₹3.15/kWh. MSEDCL found the rates quoted by the bidders up to ₹3.15/kWh at 11 kV level to be financially viable and economical along with the benefits of distributed generation, and approved the submission. The weighted average of the tariff is now ₹3.13 (~$0.044)/kWh.

Upon  query  about  increase  in the tariff  rate  as  against  approved  by  MERC of ₹2.72 (~$0.038)/kWh, MSEDCL stated  that  the  reason  for  increase  in  tariff  from  ₹2.72 (~$0.038)/kWh  to  ₹3.13 (~$0.044)/kWh  is because  of  the   geographic  spread   and  smaller  size  of  the projects.  Secondly,   the  earlier  rates  were  at  the  distribution  periphery  and  exclude  the transmission and distribution  losses  up to  11 kV  level.  Lastly, all the solar projects would be located within the state with social benefits although with minimal additional cost.

While examining the submission made by MSEDCL, MERC noted that the due process for the procurement of solar power had been followed by the DISCOM, and that the submitted tariff rates are within the range of the previously approved tariff rates by MERC, considering the transmission and distribution losses, project size and the geographic spread.

MERC opined that the submitted rates were competitively obtained and were twice negotiated, and also stated that the solar power procured from these projects will count towards the fulfilment of MSEDCL’s solar RPO.

Recently, MERC approved the initiation of a district (circle) wise competitive bidding process for the procurement of solar power under Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. MERC approved the ceiling rate of ₹3.10 (~$0.044)/kWh, an increase in the maximum capacity limit from 50 MW to 100 MW for each district.

Shapoorji pallonji seci 50 MW floating solar

Shapoorji Pallonji Wins SECI’s 50 MW Floating Solar Auction Quoting ₹3.29/kWh
The floating solar project will be developed at the Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh.

Shapoorji Pallonji, one of India’s leading renewable energy project developers, has won the bid to develop 50 MW of floating solar project in Uttar Pradesh.

This 50 MW project is part of the tender that was floated by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 150 MW (50 MW x 3) of grid connected floating solar power projects at Rihand Dam (also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Reservoir), located in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The projects were tendered by SECI in March 2018.

Talking to Mercom, a SECI official said, “Renew Power and Shapoorji Pallonji have bid for the 50 MW capacity for package B.”

He added, “The price discovered in the auction is ₹3.29 (~$0.046)/kWh. The auction for the remaining 100 MW capacity for package A and package C will be intimated separately.”

SECI had fixed ₹3.32 (~$0.047)/kWh as the upper tariff ceiling for this tender. The successful developers will enter 25-year power sale agreements with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL). In the tender, SECI had also specified that a single bidder can bid for a minimum 50 MW and a maximum 150 MW.

Recently, answering some of the questions raised by bidders during the pre-bid meeting, SECI had said that solar power developers will have to get the required transmission line constructed by Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) on a depository work basis and will have to procure the final cost from the UPPTCL directly.

This floating solar project has seen multiple bid submission deadline extensions.

Talking to Mercom, a SECI official said, “We made some amendments in the main tender document. The earlier RfS has been revised due to high tariffs. The developers quoted higher tariff as UPPCL did not have a good credit rating. Now, to address this, SECI will be the intermediary procurer and UPPCL will sign a Power Sale Agreement (PPA) with SECI.

Meanwhile, recently, Mercom reported that SECI’s the 1.2 GW ISTS-connected wind-solar hybrid power projects (tranche-I) tender was undersubscribed by 150 MW.

SECI 1,000 MW tender proposal

The government has asked Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to bring tenders of 1,000 MW every month, beginning from November 2018 till February 2019
SECI is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) involved in the solar energy sector. It works under the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
This directive is intended to help the country bridge the gap between current share of renewable energy in its energy mix and the targets under Paris agreement
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has also started tendering, and allocation under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) scheme, wherein projects are planned for connections with the ISTS grid directly,” a CRISIL research report stated. Further, it said that SECI has allocated 5 GW to the grid and another 3 GW is in the tendering phase.
The report also mentioned that the government has announced a 2.5 GW solar-wind hybrid scheme to facilitate higher utilisation of resources

Oman 500 MW solar projects

Oman’s 500 MW Solar Project Attracts Bids from Three International Consortia
Projects likely to be awarded in early 2019.

The Oman Power and Water Procurement company (OPWP) has announced that it has received bids from three international consortia for the development of 500 MW large utility scale solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) located at Ibri.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of Ibri II Solar IPP was issued on June 4, 2018.  Mercom had reported earlier about OPWP’s Request for Qualification (RfQ) for a 500 MW utility-scale solar project in the country. The plant is expected to generate enough power to supply 33,000 homes and offset 340,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The project was announced last year in December by OPWP, a member of the Nama group. It will be developed under Build, Own and Operate model by the private sector.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), Total Solar, and Jinko Power (HK) Company Limited have formed a consortium to bid for the project.

Another alliance consists of Saudi Arabia-based International Company for Water and Power Projects (ACWA Power), Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), and Alternative Energy Projects Company (AEPC).

The third group is formed of Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation, Oman Gas Company (OGC), Qatar-based Nebras Power, and Bahwan Renewable Energy Company.

“The evaluation of the received bids is currently underway and OPWP expects to finalise the award by early next year,” said OPWP in a statement.

It added that the project is planned to achieve commercial operation by June 2021.

Recently, Merom reported that OPWP has initiated the process for the second utility scale solar PV project to be connected to the main interconnected system in Oman. The project, with a capacity between 500 MW to 1,000 MW, will be known as Solar 2022 IPP. OPWP had sought proposals from interested bidders to provide technical consultancy services for the development of the project and to advice on the competitive tendering of the project.

Renewable power electricity output

Renewable power has a 10% share in India’s electricity output: Report.

Moneycontrol News

India has achieved a milestone in its journey to realise its ambitious targets in clean energy production and usage. Renewable power units, including solar and wind energy, had a 10 percent share in India's electricity output in April-October 2018, reported The Financial Express.

Total installed power capacity of renewable energy has also grown from 14 percent in FY15 to over 20 percent in the current fiscal.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change signed in Paris in 2015 dictates that India has to up its share of non-fossil power in installed capacity to 40 percent by 2030.

The Centre aims to achieve 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2022. This would include 100 GW from solar energy, 60 GS from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydroelectric projects.

Electricity generated by green resources registered a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 18.2 percent between FY15 and FY18 in India. Conventional power production only saw a 4.8 percent CAGR in the same period.

Solar power capacity addition this year was twice the net addition in the coal-based power sector. Solar capacity shot up by 95 percent in 2017, whereas high-emission energy capacities added that year were 75 percent less than the previous year.

The reason renewable energy is going strong is India's commitment to cut its carbon footprint, reduced prices of solar power tariffs and active power schemes in the country, according to experts.

As the solar module prices tanked and technology improved, solar power tariffs fell from Rs 17 per unit in 2009 to just Rs 2.44 per unit in July 2018. The sector has also become very competitive.

There is an underlying worry about the viability of such low rates, as overall project costs will increase after import duties on solar modules.

On the other hand, states may not be as willing to implement solar energy resources in their infrastructure if it is not cheaper than the conventional resources.

The government has put a 25 percent safeguard duty on import of solar cells to help domestic manufacturers for a year till July 19, 2019.

Solar solutions simpa energy

Engie Acquires 90 Percent Stake in Solar Solutions Provider Simpa Energy
Simpa sells solar power systems on financing to households and shops in rural India.

ENGIE, a global independent power producer (IPP), has acquired a 90 percent stake in Simpa Energy, from its parent company Simpa Networks, a distributed energy solutions provider with pay-as-you-go pricing model to households and businesses.

Through the ENGIE Rassembleurs d’Énergies investment fund, the group supports community initiatives in India. The aim is to help local population have sustainable access to clean energy. ENGIE has invested in the social enterprise Simpa Networks, which provides individual photovoltaic panels for the poorest homes in the Delhi region. ENGIE Rassembleurs de Energies was an early investor in Simpa but the current transaction is with the main commercial business.

Per a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, ENGIE is investing to fund geographic expansion and accelerate growth. The move reinforces ENGIE’s commitment to decentralized renewable energy solutions globally and supports India’s rapid transition to clean power.

Simpa sells solar power systems on financing to households and shops in rural India. Customers make a small initial payment to have the solar PV system installed, then it’s simply pay-as-you-go for the electricity. Simpa mimics the compelling pricing model of pre-paid mobile phones. But there’s an important twist: These small payments for energy service also add up towards the total purchase price and, once fully paid, the customer owns the system, enjoying clean, reliable, electricity for free.

This acquisition fits perfectly into our strategy to be close to the customer in distributed energy and to be present in the ‘Access to Energy space. Simpa has an innovative business model with sound products in a huge untapped market so offering real growth potential.

In India Engie currently has some 800 MW of utility scale solar projects (around 330 MW under construction) and 280 MW of utility scale wind (all committed in final development or construction). Engie can trace its presence in India back more than 20 years and we are open to other inorganic opportunities where they make sound business sense.

“This acquisition fits perfectly into our strategy to be close to the customer in distributed energy and to be present in the ‘Access to Energy space. Simpa has an innovative business model with sound products in a huge untapped market so offering real growth potential,” Malcolm Wrigley, the country manager of Engie India said.

In India, Engie currently has some 800 MW of utility scale solar projects (around 330 MW under construction) and 280 MW of utility scale wind (all committed in final development or construction).

The acquisition of Simpa also resonates ENGIE’s commitment to provide clean energy to people in economically weak and under developed areas. In April 2018, ENGIE completed 100 percent acquisition of Fenix International, a next generation energy company that offers solar home systems (SHS) in Africa.

ENGIE has been gradually increasing its investments in India’s renewable energy sector. In September 2018, ENGIE and STOA, a French infrastructure and investment firm, announced a joint-venture (JV) to build a wind platform in India. The platform, with 50-50 partnership, has set a goal of establishing over 2 GW of wind energy capacity in the next five years.

According to a report by the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), India has emerged as the world’s largest cash market for off-grid solar products, with 1.3 million products sold in H1 2018 alone.  This accounts for an impressive 44 percent of global sales.  Over 3.7 million off-grid solar products were sold globally during the first half (H1) of 2018, an increase of four percent in comparison to the same time last year.

Uttar Pradesh net metering rooftop solar project

Uttar Pradesh Releases New Draft Regulations for Net Metering of Rooftop Solar Projects
Consumers can set up rooftop solar projects of up to 2 MW.

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has issued new regulations for net metering provisions for rooftop solar projects in the state.

The regulations, called RSPV Regulations 2019, will come into force from the date of their notification in the official gazette.

These regulations will apply to the distribution licensees (DISCOMs), eligible consumers of the DISCOMs, and third-party owners of gross-metering arrangement of rooftop solar PV systems in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights

Eligible consumer can install the rooftop solar PV system under either gross-metering arrangement or net-metering arrangement.
Third-party owners who have entered into a commercial agreement for the rooftop in the premises of the consumers will be entitled to install rooftop solar projects under gross-metering arrangement with the DISCOM for a capacity equal to the cumulative capacity of the prescribed limits of rooftop solar PV capacity for each eligible consumer.
Third-party owners who have entered into a lease or commercial agreement for the rooftop in the premises of a group of consumer, will also be entitled to install rooftop solar PV system under net-metering arrangement with the DISCOM.
Eligible consumer or third-party owner availing gross-metering arrangement will not be allowed to apply for net-metering arrangement within the same premises. The same will hold true for net-metering consumers.
If the consumer or third-party owner installs solar rooftop under gross-metering, the entire power generated will be injected to the distribution system of the DISCOM at the interconnection point.
If the eligible consumer installs solar rooftop system under net-metering, eligible consumer will be entitled to use the power generated from the project at their premises. The surplus power can be injected to the distribution system of DISCOM at the interconnection point.
To provide flexibility to rooftop solar power prosumer, a provision of mutual sale and purchase of electricity through peer-to-peer transaction with proper accounting and billing mechanism (implemented with the help of blockchain technology) has now been provided.
The capacity of the rooftop project to be installed will not be less than 1 kW and will not exceed 2 MW.
State authorities can undertake rooftop solar projects above 2 MW capacity through alternative mechanisms.
Any consumer claiming accelerated depreciation benefits on the rooftop solar projects will only be eligible to avail net-metering arrangement.
Both net-metering and gross-metering of the electricity generation by a consumer, which is not an obligated entity, will qualify towards compliance of renewable purchase obligation (RPO) for the DISCOM.
Talking to Mercom, a UPERC official said, “This was long due as the regulations of 2015 have already expired and new amendments have now been made to accommodate new developments in the country’s rooftop solar PV sector.

Recently, in a landmark order, UPERC allowed net metering for a 3.34 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Greater NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh. The UPERC was responding to a petition filed by Gautam Buddha University, Greater NOIDA.

Mercom had reported in recently that net metering policy continues to be a drag on India’s rooftop solar sector. One of the larger hurdles is system size as most states have an upper limit (usually 1 MW) on the size of a rooftop solar project. Although a 1 MW rooftop project is relatively large, the size limit sidelines a large number of commercial and industrial consumers from installing rooftop solar to meet their power needs.

Sukhbir agro solar auction

Sukhbir Agro Quotes ₹3.25/kWh to Win 10 MW Solar Auction for Noida Metro
Hero Future Energies, Sterling & Wilson and AMP Solar were the other bidders who could not win at the auction.

Lowest tariff of ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh emerged as the winning bid in the auction conducted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for 10 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects on behalf of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC).

Sukhbir Agro emerged as the winner by quoting the lowest tariff to develop the entire 10 MW capacity. When contacted, a DMRC official told Mercom, “Yes, the capacity has been awarded to Sukhbir Agro which quoted ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh. Overall, there were four participants including the winning bidder.”

Sukhbir Agro’s deputy general manager Sumit Sood further informed, “Hero Future Energies, Sterling & Wilson and AMP Solar were the other bidders.”

Sood also said that the firm has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with NMRC at a tariff of ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh.

While 4 MW of the total capacity will be developed atop NMRC depots and metro stations, adjacent buildings and foot over-bridge (FOBs), another 3 MW will be developed on internal roads of depots and boundary walls. Moreover, a capacity of 3 MW will be installed over parking and viaducts.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹600 million (~$9.33 million). DMRC had tendered the capacity in February 2018.

Of late, DMRC has been working towards reducing its carbon footprint by shifting its focus on renewable energy. The tactical shift to green forms of power are a sigh of relief for the national capital, which is reeling under the menace of choking air pollution.

Other recent efforts to raise DMRC’s solar capacity include a December 2017 tender issued by the organization for the development of 8 MW of grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV projects at various DMRC sites in the national capital. In July 2017, DMRC also tendered a 2.2 MW rooftop solar project to be developed at its premises.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, DMRC has a total installed solar capacity of 17.45 MW to date.

As reported previously by Mercom, Azure Power is already developing a 14 MW rooftop solar project for DMRC and, in April 2017, Rays Power Experts commissioned a 5.5 MW solar rooftop project for the organization.

Solar auction result NMRC

Sukhbir Agro Quotes ₹3.25/kWh to Win 10 MW Solar Auction for Noida Metro
Hero Future Energies, Sterling & Wilson and AMP Solar were the other bidders who could not win at the auction.

Lowest tariff of ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh emerged as the winning bid in the auction conducted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for 10 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects on behalf of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC).

Sukhbir Agro emerged as the winner by quoting the lowest tariff to develop the entire 10 MW capacity. When contacted, a DMRC official told Mercom, “Yes, the capacity has been awarded to Sukhbir Agro which quoted ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh. Overall, there were four participants including the winning bidder.”

Sukhbir Agro’s deputy general manager Sumit Sood further informed, “Hero Future Energies, Sterling & Wilson and AMP Solar were the other bidders.”

Sood also said that the firm has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with NMRC at a tariff of ₹3.25 (~$0.04471)/kWh.

While 4 MW of the total capacity will be developed atop NMRC depots and metro stations, adjacent buildings and foot over-bridge (FOBs), another 3 MW will be developed on internal roads of depots and boundary walls. Moreover, a capacity of 3 MW will be installed over parking and viaducts.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹600 million (~$9.33 million). DMRC had tendered the capacity in February 2018.

Of late, DMRC has been working towards reducing its carbon footprint by shifting its focus on renewable energy. The tactical shift to green forms of power are a sigh of relief for the national capital, which is reeling under the menace of choking air pollution.

Other recent efforts to raise DMRC’s solar capacity include a December 2017 tender issued by the organization for the development of 8 MW of grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV projects at various DMRC sites in the national capital. In July 2017, DMRC also tendered a 2.2 MW rooftop solar project to be developed at its premises.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, DMRC has a total installed solar capacity of 17.45 MW to date.

As reported previously by Mercom, Azure Power is already developing a 14 MW rooftop solar project for DMRC and, in April 2017, Rays Power Experts commissioned a 5.5 MW solar rooftop project for the organization.

SITC grid connected roof top 100 kw

SITC of Design based Grid connected Roof Top Mounted 100 KWp Flexible Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant on Terminal Building under CAPEX Model at Pune Airport Pune

Tender Value in Rs.: 1 Crores 23 Lakhs 48 Thousand

BHEL 120 mw hydro power

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the country's largest power equipment manufacturer, today announced it has commissioned a 120 Megawatt (Mw) hydro power in Telangana with the completion of its fourth and final 30 Mw generating unit.

Located in Suryapet district of Telangana, the Pulichintala greenfield project has been set up for Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO) on the river Krishna. 

Power generation from Pulichintala HEP will contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions towards achieving a low carbon development path for the nation, the company said in a statement. 

The scope of the order included the execution of Electro-Mechanical (E&M) package for the project comprising supply and supervision of erection and commissioning of four sets of Vertical Kaplan Turbines and Generators of 30 MW capacity each and the associated auxiliary equipment. 

The equipment for the project was manufactured and supplied by BHEL’s units at Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, and Bengaluru, while the erection and commissioning on site was supervised by the company’s Power Sector Southern Region construction division. 

BHEL has commissioned hydro power projects of 1,073 Mw capacity in Telangana so far. The company is also executing 40 Pump-Motor sets of 5,356 Mw, including Palamuru Rangareddy LIS Stage - 2 and 3 of 2,610 Mw, in the state. 

The engineering giant is currently executing hydro projects of over 2,700 MW capacity across the country apart from 3,904 Mw projects being executed overseas. This includes 2,940 Mw in Bhutan and 900 Mw in Nepal which are under implementation.

MSEDCL 32 MW solar power plant

MSEDCL proposes to set up 32 Mw solar power plants in 6 villages.

Nashik superintendent officer PM Daroli has proposed to launch the scheme in six villages where 31.7 Mw of power is expected to be produced and sold to the farmers.

New Delhi: The Nashik urban division of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (MSEDCL) has proposed setting up of solar power plants generating 31.67MW electricity in rural areas under the Chief Minister Solar Agriculture Feeder Scheme in which farmers will get power during the day for their agriculture needs.

Nashik superintendent officer PM Daroli has proposed to launch the scheme in six villages where 31.7 Mw of power is expected to be produced and sold to the farmers. “We have entered into an agreement with these six villages where they have agreed to give us the land. The power plants will be raised on the land and the power generated would be sold to the farmers,” Daroli said.

Since power will be produced, transmitted and utilised in the vicinity, there will be very few losses in distribution, no power thefts as the system will be monitored and best of all is that the power with full strength would be available across the day time when the farmers need it the most.

Currently, first two of the projects providing solar power needs have been raised in MSEDCL’s space and they are generating and supplying power. The number of such solar-powered agriculture feeders is set to go up multi-fold.

While the space with the MSEDCL is limited, the company decided to take the land from the gram panchayats so that the power such generated would be utilised by the farmers in the area.

“The villagers have offered their grazing grounds for the project. The MSEDCL and the villagers have entered into an agreement for the use of land for the purpose. The agreement copies have now been sent to the district collector’s office which will take note of the same and grant permission for the change in use purpose,” another senior official said.

After this ‘change in use’ purpose is granted the construction of the solar power plants will begin, the officer said.

The projects are likely to get the permission from the collector by the middle of November after which the solar project is likely to take off.

The highest numbers of power plants are in Dindori taluka – the hilly areas where the water is too deep for the people to lift it.

“Currently, in tribal areas there is very little rabi crop apart from the kharif crop because of lack of water. Now, the solar agriculture pumps will help people opt for multiple produces in a year,” he added.

DEWA 250 MW project

DEWA adds 250 MW of PV to 700-MW CSP project in Dubai.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced last week it will expand its 700-MW concentrated solar power (CSP) project in Dubai with an additional 250-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) component.

The project represents the fourth phase of the 5-GW Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park that combines CSP and PV technologies. DEWA said in a press release on Friday it has signed an amendment to the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the tie-up led by ACWA Power, which in September 2017 won the tender to build the 700-MW CSP park with a bid of USD 0.073 (EUR 0.064) per kWh.

Power from the 250-MW solar plant will be supplied at just USD 0.024 per kWh, which DEWA says is the lowest in the world.

In addition to the newly-added 250 MW of solar power capacity, phase IV of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum complex will consist of a 100-MW central tower CSP technology and three 200-MW facilities of parabolic trough CSP technology, and will also have molten salt energy storage. The total capacity of the complex will reach 950 MW, calling for an investment of AED 16 billion (USD 4.36bn/EUR 3.82bn). The consortium behind the scheme includes DEWA, ACWA and China’s Silk Road Fund.

The development of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum project will involve a total investment of AED 50 billion. The first phase, of 13 MW, was switched on in 2013. Phase II, with capacity of 200 MW, was brought online in March 2017, while the 800-MW phase III will be commissioned by 2020.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.878)

(AED 1.0 = USD 0.272/EUR 0.239)

HERC procurement 300 MW solar power

HERC Approves Procurement of 300 MW of Solar Power Through Competitive Bidding
The procurement is meant to relieve the backlog of RPO compliance.

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has issued an order approving the deviations to the terms of competitive bidding, the conditions of request for proposal (RfP) and the draft power purchase agreement (PPA) for 300 MW of solar projects by the Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC).

In its petition, the HPPC stated that the procurement of solar power through competitive bidding has been proposed to relieve the backlog of renewable purchase obligations (RPO) compliance. HPPC had submitted a revised RfP along with a draft PPA, prepared in line with the guidelines for the tariff-based competitive bidding process.

HPPC had proposed the inclusion of a line of credit for a term of 12 months, renewed annually. The renewal amount will be equal to the estimated average monthly billing for the first contract year. For subsequent years, the amount will be equal to the average of the monthly billing of the previous contract year.

HPPC had suggested 210 days for the financial closure of the project after entering into a PPA with the solar project developers.

HPPC’s proposal had mandated that the procurement be composed of two categories. Under Category I, 240 MW of cumulative capacity will be procured, with project minimum capacity of 3 MW and a project maximum capacity of 240 MW. Under Category II, 60 MW of cumulative capacity will be procured and will have projects with a minimum capacity of 1 MW and a maximum capacity of 2 MW.

HPPC had also asked that the solar project developers bear the entire cost of transmission.

In reviewing the petition, HERC observed that the power will be procured by HPPC through competitive bidding and therefore it can impose procurement conditions based on deviations from previous regulations.

Recently, HERC approved deviations in the terms of PPA for the procurement of power by HPPC from a 10 MW solar PV project developed by the Haryana Power Generation Corporation (HPGCL).

In July 2018,  HERC issued an order amending the terms and conditions for tariff determinations from renewable energy sources, renewable purchase obligations, and renewable energy certificates.

NTPC floats tender for 1.2 GW

NTPC Floats Tender for 1.2 GW of ISTS-Connected Solar Projects in Maharashtra
Minimum bid capacity fixed at 50 MW and maximum at 600 MW.

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has tendered 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be developed in Maharashtra. The bid-submission deadline is December 19, 2018. The technical bids will open on December 20, 2018.

When contacted, an NTPC official informed Mercom, “The minimum bid capacity is 50 MW and the maximum a single bidder can bid for is 600 MW. There is no upper tariff ceiling for this tender.”

The grid-connected solar PV projects will be developed on build own operate (BOO) basis. The NTPC has stated that the projects will be developed near NTPC switchyards in the western region of Maharashtra. The scope of work includes the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected ISTS-connected solar PV projects.

NTPC tenders do not come with any fixed upper tariff cap in contrast to SECI’s prevalent policy of imposing tariff caps on tenders and yet have been able to generate huge participation from the developers leading to competitive bids that SECI has been aiming to achieve.

Mercom reported earlier that SECI has decided to raise the upper tariff ceilings for two of its mega tenders which had failed to garner adequate response from bidders in the past.

Even the Solar Projects Developers Association (SPDA) had recently written to the government cautioning against upper tariff caps for solar tenders. In a letter addressed to the Union Power Minister R.K. Singh, the SPDA raised its concern saying that the decision to cap tariffs needs to be reversed because it is likely to make solar projects unviable. Elaborating further, the letter explained that bids are determined keeping in consideration a range of issues like the changes in module prices, currency risks and varied solar radiation across states.

Solar project developers hope that the government allows the price mechanism to be determined by market dynamics rather than government intervention. The NTPC is allowing project developers the option they have been waiting for.

To keep things in perspective, a lowest (L1) tariff of ₹2.59 (~$0.0372)/kWh was quoted in the auction held by NTPC to develop 2 GW of ISTS-connected solar PV projects. This tender too did not have any upper tariff cap, yet developers chose to bid low.

10 GW solar pv power plant SECI

EXTENSION OF BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE-VI : SELECTION OF SOLAR POWER DEVELOPERS FOR SETTING UP OF 10GW ISTS CONNECTED SOLAR PV POWER PLANT LINKED WITH 3GW (PER ANNUM) SOLAR MANUFACTURING PLANT UNDER GLOBAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING (PHASE-I)

This has reference to the RfS No. SECI/C&P/RfS/5GW MANUFACTURING/P-1/052018 dated 25.05.2018 regarding Selection of Solar Power Developers for Setting up of 10GW ISTS Connected Solar PV Power Plant linked with 3GW (Per Annum) Solar Manufacturing Plant under Global Competitive Bidding (Phase-I).

The last date of bid submission is hereby extended till 19.11.2018 (18:00 HRS). The techno-commercial bid opening shall be carried out w.e.f. 11:00 HRS on 20.11.2018.

Prospective bidders are requested to remain updated for any notices/ amendments/ clarifications etc. to the RfS documents through the websites www.seci.co.in and https://www.tcil-india-electronictender.com as no separate notification will be issued.

Tender Search Code (TSC) for the RfS in TCIL : SECI-2018-TN000018

Tender ID for the RfS in CPPP : 2018_SECI_324874_1

Tender Core HQ 25 kv single phase Tss ,Scada

Division CORE HQ
Department Electrical
Tender Reference Number ELCORE-TPMC-Gr239-240-241
Tender Title Project Management Consultancy Services for Railway Electrification work (in EPC Mod)in Birla Nagar - Etawah section (Gr.-239) of Jhansi division, Bhandai - Udi section (Gr.-240) of Agra division and Shikohabad - Farrukhabad section (Gr.-241) of Allahabad division of North Central Railway Under Railway Eectrification Project, Lucknow.
Location Allahabad
Tender Submission End Date 20-11-2018    
Work Details:
Work Description Project Management Consultancy Services for Railway Electrification work (in EPC Mod) of Design, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 25kV, 50 Hz, single phase electrification works (OHE, TSS, SCADA & Electric General, S&T and Civil Engineering works) in Birla Nagar - Etawah section (Gr.-239) of Jhansi division, Bhandai - Udi section (Gr.-240) of Agra division and Shikohabad - Farrukhabad section (Gr.-241) of Allahabad division of North Central Railway Under Railway Eectrification Project, Lucknow (386 TKM / 418 RKM)
Tender Inviting Authority Details:
Name CAO/CORE/Allahabad
Address Office of The General Manager, Central Orgnisation for Railway Electrification, 01, Nawab Yusuf Road, Civil Lines, Allahabad-211001

3 GW solar projects auctioned 750 MW

3 GW of Solar Projects Tendered in October
About 750 MW of solar projects were auctioned last month.

More than 3 GW of solar projects were tendered in the month of October, which is more than double compared to September, according to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker. This is the highest capacity tendered in the last three months.

Solar project auction activity saw an uptick with approximately 750 MWs auctioned in October, compared to around 550 MW auctioned in September.

The overall improvement in the tender and auction activities may be attributed to the clarity on the safeguard duty after the Supreme Court allowed the government to levy 25 percent safeguard duty on solar imports from China and Malaysia.

Earlier, the Ministry of Finance had announced the levy of a 25 percent safeguard duty based on the final recommendations proposed by the DGTR. The duty came into effect on July 30, 2018.

According to the tender trajectory issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), approximately 30 GW is expected to be tendered in FY 2018-19. So far, 25 GW have already been tendered. This leaves only 5 GW to be tendered in the coming months.

Major Tenders in October

The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) tendered 700 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects to be set up under Phase III of Raghanesda Solar Park located in the state. The projects will be developed under build own operate basis. The projects will be developed on three plots. The bid-submission deadline is November 15, 2018.

Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMS) issued a tender for a total of 1,500 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects which will be developed across three solar parks in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The bid-submission deadline is December 10, 2018.

The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) invited bids for 550 MW of grid connected solar PV power projects through a tariff based competitive bidding process. The last date for bid submission is November 14, 2018.

Major Auctions in October

Maheshwari Mining and NTPC Limited (RE) quoted the lowest tariff of ₹3.17 (~$0.043)/kWh in the solar auction held by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) for 500 MW of grid-connected solar projects.

Giriraj Renewables won the auction to develop 150 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects in the Pavagada Solar Park in Tumkur district of Karnataka. Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) had tendered the capacity in July 2018.

Asian Fab Tec won the bid to develop 20 MW of solar projects in five districts of Karnataka by quoting a tariff of ₹2.89 (~$0.039)/kWh for each taluk. The capacity awarded was part of the 200 MW solar tender for 10 talukas issued by KREDL.

The lowest tariff dropped to ₹1.38/kWh (~$0.0186)/kWh in Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited’s (MPUVNL) 8.6 MW auction of grid-connected rooftop solar under RESCO II model. The projects will be developed at more than 13 locations across the state. The first-year tariffs quoted in the auction are set to escalate by three percent per year over a period of 25 years.

Haryana electricity PPA for 10 MW solar project

Haryana Electricity Regulator Approves PPA with Deviations for a 10 MW Solar Project
HERC Directed HPPC to Refrain from Deviations from the Approved PPA’s Terms.

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has issued an order approving the deviations in the terms of power purchase agreement (PPA) for procurement of power by Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) from a 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project developed by Haryana Power Generation Corporation (HPGCL).

The HPPC had amended one of the clauses in the PPA. Per the amendment, “Rebate and surcharge mechanism shall be applicable as per the HERC (Terms & Conditions for determination of tariff for generation, Transmission, Wheeling, Distribution & Retail Supply under MYT Framework) MYT Regulation, 2012.”

The HPPC had made another amendment too. Per the second amendment, “HPGCL will maintain generation to achieve a minimum capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 16 percent per year subject to Force Majeure conditions. Failing which the HPGCL will pay the forbearance price of renewable energy certificates (RECs) procured by HPPC due to shortfall of minimum CUF of HPGCL for solar energy. Alternatively, HPGCL may supply RECs to HPPC for balance quantum of energy from market by the end of financial year. Provided for any non-generation because of non-availability of evacuation lines/system, HPGCL will not be penalized because of minimum CUF. For calculating annual CUF, generation based on irradiance level will also be worked out for the period of non-availability of evacuation line.”

The HERC has approved these amendments as they are not prejudicial to the interest of the consumers of the state. HERC has also asked HPPC to refrain from deviations from the terms of the approved PPA, in future, without prior approval of HERC.

HPGCL had commissioned this 10 MW solar PV project at the premises of Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS) in Panipat, in November 2016.

We are observing a series of petitions heard by the Regulatory Commissions lately. The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) recently provided respite to the solar power developers in three cases accepting the reasons for project commissioning delay and also extended a partial relief to the developer in the fourth case.

Earlier, the TSERC provided relief to the developers of four grid-connected solar projects in the state, totaling 55 MW. In all the four cases, TSERC accepted the reasons given by the project developers for the delay in the scheduled commissioning dates, scoring a win for developers.

The TSERC orders in these cases are in contrast to a recent order passed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), which dismissed the petition filed by Marakka Solar Power Project LL.P.  KERC responded that force majeure events did not entitle any relief to the petitioner.

Uttar pradesh rooftop solar project

Uttar Pradesh Allows Net Metering for a 3.34 MW University Rooftop Solar Project
The project is being developed on the premises of Gautam Buddha University, NOIDA.

In a landmark order, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has allowed net metering for a 3.34 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Greater NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh. The UPERC was responding to a petition filed by Gautam Buddha University, Greater NOIDA.

Gautam Buddha University has a sanctioned load of 4,000 KVA and wanted to augment its existing rooftop solar PV facility from capacity of 0.5 MW to 3.34 MW. The university had sought relaxation of UPERC (Rooftop Solar Grid-Interactive System Gross/Net Metering) Regulations 2015.

The rooftop solar PV project is being developed in RESCO mode and the power will be utilized for captive consumption.

When summoned by the UPERC, NOIDA Power Company Limited (NPCL) submitted that it had no technical constraint in providing grid-connectivity for the project and the new proposed capacity. NPCL submitted that UPERC regulations concerning net metering provide for connectivity voltage level, application and registration fees for rooftop solar PV project of up to 1 MW capacity. For project of capacity more than 1 MW there are no provisions.

After considering all the submissions made, UPERC allowed for net metering of the 3.34 MW rooftop solar PV project. In order to do so, the Gautam Buddha University must fulfil formalities per UPERC (Rooftop Solar Grid-Interactive System Gross/Net Metering) Regulations 2015, take approval from Directorate of Electrical Safety and adhere to provisions of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) (Measures relating to Safety and Electrical Supply) Regulations 2010, CEA (Technical Standard for Connectivity of Distributed Generation Resources) Regulations 2013 and UPERC (Grant of Connectivity to interstate transmission system) Regulations 2010.

Regarding applicable fees, the UPERC ruled that since fee specified is for up to 1 MW projects, the same will be charged for entire 3.34 MW.

Mercom had reported in recently that net metering policy continues to be a drag on India’s rooftop solar sector. One of the larger hurdles is system size as most states have an upper limit (usually 1 MW) on the size of a rooftop solar project. Although a 1 MW rooftop project is relatively large, the size limit sidelines a large number of commercial and industrial consumers from installing rooftop solar to meet their power needs.

This order could be encouraging to a lot of rooftop solar projects that generally have an upper cap of 1 MW.  The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) also had passed a ruling stating that the benefits of net metering are limited to rooftop solar installations of up to 1 MW.

Earlier in 2018, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) had removed the upper cap of 1 MW for rooftop solar projects in the state. The removal of the upper ceiling was part of the order passed by OERC on net metering, bi-directional metering, and their connectivity to solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Odisha.

SECI relaxes norms for solar auction

After tepid response, SECI relaxes norms to lure bidders for 10 GW solar auctions.

Through the scheme, as much as 3 GW of cumulative annual solar manufacturing units are seen to be set up over three years, resulting in 10 GW of new generation capacities.

In the wake of cold response received from the industry towards the 10 gigawatt (GW) manufacturing-linked solar scheme, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has amended the terms for bidders, allowing developers more time and flexibility to set up projects.

This is the fourth set of revision since its launch in June.

Through the scheme, as much as 3 GW of cumulative annual solar manufacturing units are seen to be set up over three years, resulting in 10 GW of new generation capacities. However, tepid industry response has been deferred the last date for receiving bids four times since the initial deadline of August 20.
As per the fresh amendments, inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges would be waived for solar generation units commissioned within FY24, effectively extending the window to avail the benefit by two years from the original deadline of FY22.
SECI had earlier said ISTS charges would be waived under force majeure if delays were caused due to unavailability of adequate transmission charges. However, the new amendment does not specify if solar projects would have to pay ISTS charges if projects are commissioned after FY24 due to shortage of transmission systems.
Solar companies would now get 36 months, a year more than the timeline mandated earlier, for commencing commercial operations from their manufacturing units. They ‘should produce at least 80% of the installed capacity within first year and 90% of the installed capacity within second year’, the amendment document said.

SECI has also tweaked the minimum shareholding criteria for the bidders in the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) incorporated for executing projects under the tender. The new amendment says that if successful bidders enter into a manufacturing contract with any other entity, they cannot reduce their shareholding in the SPV below 26% till one year after the solar plants and manufacturing units are commissioned. SECI maintains that if no other entity is involved in the SPV, bidders need to keep a minimum 51% stake till the aforementioned period.
Earlier, SECI had cut the requisite bank guarantee amount by almost 25% to Rs 466 crore. The ceiling tariff for auctions had been cut to Rs 2.75/unit, from Rs 2.93/unit set earlier.

The scheme was launched to boost the domestic solar manufacturing industry, which was growing tepidly in spite of huge surge in solar generation capacity in the country. Solar developers sourced 88% of the products though cheaper imported component in FY18. To aid domestic manufacturing, the government has levied a 25% safeguard duty on import of solar cells — the basic ingredient needed to manufacture solar panels — for a year ending July 19, 2019.
The duty would be 20% for the next six months till January 29, 2020, and 15% in the subsequent six months.