Sunsure Secures ₹1.28 Billion Loan for 49 MW Solar Open Access Project

Tamil Nadu Regulator Dismisses Petition to Procure 5 MW Solar Power

West Bengal Invites Bids for O&M of 1.891 MW Rooftop Solar Project

EDF Proposes Partnerships with NTPC, CIL and Actis for Renewables

CERC Approves NTPC’s Tariffs for 1,530 MW Renewable Energy Projects

Adani Green Bags 1,250 MW Pumped Storage Contract from UPPCL

Central Regulator Adopts Tariffs for SECI’s 1.2 GW Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects

Daily News Wrap-Up: JSW Energy Wins SECI’s Battery Energy Storage System Auction

Funding and M&A Roundup: Scale Energy Raises $2 Million in Seed Funding

Project Finance Brief: Nautilus Acquires 11 MW Community Solar Projects in Illinois


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					</table><p>The West Bengal Power Development Corporation (<a href="https://www.wbpdcl.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WBPDCL</a>) has invited bids for comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&amp;M) of a 1.891 MW rooftop solar project at Kolaghat Thermal Power Station for two years.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by March 29, 2025. Bids will be opened on April 2.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit an earnest deposit of ₹89,332 (~$1,027.32).</p>
<p>Successful bidders must furnish a performance bank guarantee of 10% of the contract value within 30 days of the work order issuance. They must also submit a performance security of 10% if the accepted bid value is 80% or lower than the estimated value.</p>
<p>The scope of work entails comprehensive maintenance of all solar components, routine inspections, periodic module cleaning, real-time performance monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols. It also includes maintaining a project uptime of over 98% and submitting periodic reports on energy generation and system performance.</p>
<p>The project covers installations at six locations with a cumulative capacity of 1,890.88 kW:</p>
<ul>
<li>Power House- unit 1(553.28 kW)</li>
<li>Power House- unit 3 (547.2 kW)</li>
<li>Power House- unit 6 (547.2 kW)</li>
<li>ERC Building (65.92 kW)</li>
<li>GM Building (36.48 kW)</li>
<li>School Building (140.8 kW)</li>
</ul>
<p>Due to the planned demolition of Power House units 1 and 2, the 553.28 kW solar modules must be relocated to a ground-mounted system within the project premises while maintaining uninterrupted operations.</p>
<p>Bidders must have operated and maintained rooftop, ground-mounted, or floating solar systems with at least one project having a capacity of 1.5 MW, two projects of 1 MW, or three projects of 0.89 MW. These projects must have been executed for central/state government entities or industrial organizations.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a minimum annual turnover of ₹669,989.52 (~$7,704.88) over the last three financial years and a positive net worth for each.</p>
<p>The contract includes a performance penalty clause based on the project&#8217;s performance ratio. If the ratio falls below 70%, deductions ranging from 1% to 3% of the monthly contract value for each percentage drop will apply. A ratio below 55% will result in no monthly payment.</p>
<p>Project delays will attract liquidated damages of 0.5% of the contract value per week, capped at 10%.</p>
<p>Recently, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/west-bengal-invites-bids-for-6-mw-floating-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to implement a 6 MW floating solar project at PPSP Upper Dam, Purulia Pump Storage Project Site, Purulia, West Bengal.</p>
<p>In August 2024, WBPDCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/west-bengal-issues-om-tender-for-3-5-mw-rooftop-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to operate and maintain a 3.5 MW rooftop solar project at the Sagardighi thermal power project.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>



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					</table><p>The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://cercind.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CERC</a>) has approved tariffs ranging between ₹4.64 ($0.0532)/kWh and ₹5.25 ($0.0602)/kWh for 1,530 MW of renewable energy procured by <a href="https://ntpc.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC</a> through a competitive bidding process.</p>
<p>CERC also approved a trading margin of ₹0.07 (~$0.0008)/kWh, subject to compliance with the financial security provisions. The tariffs are a part of NTPC’s bid to procure 3,000 MW of renewable energy from grid-connected power projects.</p>
<p><strong>Background </strong></p>
<p>The petitioner, NTPC, filed for the tariff adoption after conducting an international competitive bidding process for 3,000 MW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy. The process attracted ten bidders, with a total techno-commercially qualified bid capacity of 1,980 MW.</p>
<p>After a reverse auction, NTPC awarded contracts for 1,584 MW to ten bidders. However, the final accepted capacity was 1,530 MW, as the last bidder, ACME, declined the remaining 54 MW.</p>
<p>Other successful bidders included ABC CleanTech, Juniper Green Energy, BN Dispatchable-1, Hero Solar Energy, ReNew Solar Power, Serentica Renewables, and Tata Power Renewable Energy. The projects’ power purchase and sale agreements will be signed for 25 years.</p>
<p>NTPC contended that the discovered tariffs were competitive and in the best interest of both procurers and consumers. It also submitted a certificate from the bid evaluation committee, confirming that the bidding process was conducted transparently and complied with government guidelines.</p>
<p><strong>Commission’s Analysis</strong></p>
<p>CERC confirmed that NTPC had followed a transparent and competitive bidding method per government guidelines. It acknowledged that the selection of successful bidders and the tariff discovery adhered to the provisions outlined under Section 63 of the Electricity Act.</p>
<p>The Commission allowed the tariff adoption despite the pending PPA and PSA executions but made it conditional upon NTPC finalizing these agreements with the distribution companies. It directed NTPC to submit copies of the executed agreements once completed.</p>
<p>CERC approved the ₹0.07 (~$0.0008)/kWh trading margin proposed by NTPC. However, it imposed a cap of ₹0.02 (~$0.00023)/kWh in cases where NTPC failed to provide financial security measures such as an escrow arrangement or an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit. The cap aligns with Regulation 8 of CERC’s Trading License Regulations, which governs trading margins under long-term contracts.</p>
<p>In November 2024, CERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cerc-adopt-tariff-wind-solar-hybrid-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> tariffs for 1,000 MW of interstate transmission system-connected wind-solar hybrid power projects awarded by NTPC under Tranche V.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.</p>



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					</table><p><a href="https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Green Energy</a> has received a letter of award from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (<a href="https://www.uppcl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UPPCL</a>) for a 1,250 MW pumped hydro storage project (PSP). The Panaura PSP will be in the Sonbhadra district, with a minimum commitment of 40 years. The project is expected to be completed within the next six years.</p>
<p>Expanding its portfolio beyond solar, wind, and hybrid projects, Adani Green Energy is now venturing into energy storage solutions. The company has plans to add over 5 GW of hydro PSP capacity by 2030. Currently, it is working on several PSPs, including a 500 MW project at the Chitravathi River in Andhra Pradesh, a 1,500 MW project at Tarali in Maharashtra, and a 1,800 MW project at Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Power recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/guidelines-pumped-storage-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduced</a> tariff-based competitive bidding guidelines to procure stored energy from existing, under-construction, or new PSPs. According to the National Electricity Plan 2023, India will require approximately 74 GW/411 GWh of energy storage systems by 2031-32. This includes 27 GW/175 GWh from PSPs and 47 GW/236 GWh from battery energy storage systems.</p>
<p>Additionally, the Ministry has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pumped-storage-projects-to-receive-up-to-%E2%82%B920-million-mw-budgetary-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revised</a> the budgetary support provisions for hydroelectric and PSP projects, allocating a total of ₹124.6 billion (~$1.42 billion). This support will aid projects with a cumulative hydroelectric capacity of 31 GW, including 15 GW of PSP capacity, between the financial years 2024-25 and 2031-32.</p>
<p>The budgetary support is capped at ₹10 million (~$114,428)/MW for projects up to 200 MW and ₹2 billion (~$22.88 million) plus ₹7.5 million (~$85,820)/MW for projects exceeding 200 MW, with a potential increase to ₹15 million (~$171,640)/MW for exceptional cases.</p>
<p>This program applies to all hydropower projects with capacities exceeding 25 MW, including those in the private sector awarded through a transparent bidding process. It also covers all PSPs, including captive and merchant PSPs, and projects with letters of award for their first major package issued by June 2028.</p>



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					</table><p><a href="https://www.jsw.in/energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JSW Energy</a> has won the Solar Energy Corporation of India&#8217;s (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECI</a>) auction to set up a 125 MW/500 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kerala.</p>
<p>JSW quoted a tariff of ₹441,000 (~$5,057)/MW/month.</p>
<p>The tender was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-tenders-energy-storage-system-in-kerala" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> in December last year.</p>
<p>JSW Energy will be eligible for viability gap funding of ₹2.7 million (~$30,963)/MWh or 30% of the project&#8217;s capital cost, whichever is lower.</p>
<p>The project will be connected to the Mylatti 220 kV substation in Kasaragod. One bay of 110 kV is available. JSW can extend an additional bay if required.</p>
<p>JSW Energy must ensure the BESS is available for at least one operational cycle per day, maintain a minimum monthly system availability of 95%, and guarantee an AC-to-AC roundtrip efficiency of 85% monthly.</p>
<p>It must also ensure the BESS is available for two operational cycles daily, maintain a minimum monthly system availability of 95%, and guarantee an AC-to-AC roundtrip efficiency of 85% monthly.</p>
<p>Kerala State Electricity Board may utilize the BESS up to two operational cycles per day, subject to a maximum of 40 operational cycles in a calendar month and a maximum of 400 operational cycles in a year.</p>
<p>JSW Energy must employ commercially established and operational technologies compliant with the guidelines specified in codes and standards to minimize technology risks.</p>
<p>SECI will accept part commissioning without any imposition of liquidated damages if the first phase of commissioning includes at least 50% of the project&#8217;s MWh capacity. The project can be commissioned in three phases, with an initial phase covering 50% of the MWh capacity and up to two additional phases thereafter.</p>
<p>The project must be commissioned within 15 months of signing the battery energy storage purchase agreement. It must achieve financial closure within nine months of signing the battery energy storage purchase agreement.</p>
<p>In January, NHPC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/nhpc-125-mw-500-mwh-standalone-bess/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a tender to develop 125 MW/500 MWh BESS connected to the intrastate transmission system in Kerala (Tranche I).</p>


JSW Energy Wins SECI’s 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System Auction


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					</table><p>The renewable energy capacity installed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached 30.3 GW at the end of 2024, a 119% growth from 2020, according to the Renewables, Hydrogen, and Energy Storage Insights 2030 report by <a href="https://dii-desertenergy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dii Desert Energy</a>.</p>
<p>The 6.3 GW installed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the highest in the region, followed by Egypt (4.6 GW) and Saudi Arabia (4.5 GW). UAE recorded the highest installed capacity despite fewer projects than Egypt, mainly due to the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-76759 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1.png" alt="" width="752" height="326" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1.png 752w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1-300x130.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1-650x282.png 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1-624x271.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-1-600x260.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Solar</strong></p>
<p>MENA has an installed solar power capacity of 22.3 GW, of which 5 GW was in the UAE, with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park contributing 1.5 GW. The 2 GW Al Dhafra project in Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest single-site solar projects.</p>
<p>The region is projected to have over 600 MW of industrial/commercial rooftop solar installations by the end of 2024.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia has the largest number of under-construction projects with multiple giga-scale initiatives, including the 2,030 MW Al Shuaiba 2, the largest project to date. Oman expects to commission its Manah 1 and 2 projects in 2025, each with 500 MW capacity.</p>
<p><strong>Wind</strong></p>
<p>The region has a total wind power capacity of 6.2 GW. Egypt and Morocco each have over 2 GW installed, the highest in the region. The UAE installed 100 MW wind projects in four sites in 2023.</p>
<p>MENA has about 15 GW of wind projects under development. This capacity includes UAE-based Masdar’s recent land access agreement for a 10 GW project in Egypt.</p>
<p><strong>Hydrogen Projects</strong></p>
<p>The region has 117 hydrogen projects in the pipeline, increasing from 75 projects in 2023. Nearly 90% of the projects are green hydrogen, and the remaining 10% are blue hydrogen projects. These projects are expected to generate between 30 to 40 million tons of production capacity annually.</p>
<p>Egypt has a pipeline of 29 hydrogen projects, the highest in MENA.</p>
<p>The region’s planned electrolyzer capacity is between 200 GW to 230 GW, with project commissioning expected beyond 2030.</p>
<p><strong>Energy Storage</strong></p>
<p>MENA has nine operational energy storage projects with a total storage capacity of 13,000 MWh. Most of these projects include battery energy storage systems (BESS). They also include two thermal energy storage systems.</p>
<p>Eleven projects in the region, comprising mostly of BESS and two pumped hydro storage systems, are under development.</p>
<p>The new additions will push MENA’s storage capacity by 16,750 MWh. Saudi Arabia has the highest number of projects under construction. Its 500 MW/2,000 MWh Bisha BESS project was commissioned in January 2025.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morrocco are tendering projects with a cumulative capacity of 25,000 MWh.</p>
<p>All newly announced projects in the region are BESS-based.</p>
<p><strong>Outlook for 2030</strong></p>
<p>The 2030 renewable energy target (solar and wind) is 236 GW. If all projects announced and under development were successfully commissioned, 131 GW of renewable capacity could be installed in the region by 2030.</p>
<p>The solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment goal is 115 GW while the current project pipeline including existing installations amount to 75 GW. In the next five years, 40 GW of solar projects need to be planned and executed to reach the target.</p>
<p>The onshore wind installation target is 75 MW while the existing pipeline totals 50 GW including 20 GW from two mega projects in Egypt (10 GW each).</p>
<p>There is no specific target set for concentrated solar power (CSP), however considering the operational and planned projects, 5 GW of CSP projects could be installed by 2030 and 2 GW of offshore wind.</p>
<p>There also a 39 GW installation aim for which a preferred technology has not been specified. They would need to be developed to meet the 2030 MENA target.</p>
<p>Countries in the MENA region have renewable energy deployment goals by 2030.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute nearly half of the MENA target (100-130 GW) of renewables by 2030 and a share of 45-50% in the energy mix. Oman expects to reach its target of 30% generation capacity (3.8 GW) installed by 2028. Egypt aims to install 45 GW of renewable energy, with 28 GW coming from wind by 2030.</p>
<p>The report proposes three different trajectories for renewables deployment in the MENA region up to 2030.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-76758 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1.png" alt="" width="903" height="477" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1.png 903w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-300x158.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-768x406.png 768w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-650x343.png 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-624x330.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MENA-1-600x317.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px" /></a></p>
<p>In a conservative scenario, the region will achieve 131 GW; in a balanced scenario,165 GW; and in the best-case scenario, 290 GW.</p>
<p>MENA also aims to produce 10 MTPA of green hydrogen. The target is to produce about 10 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2030, most of which will be green hydrogen. The region requires roughly 128 GW of additional renewable energy capacity to achieve this target.</p>
<p>More than 110 hydrogen projects have been announced in MENA, with combined renewable energy requirements of over 450 GW. However, the timeline for the completion of these projects extends beyond 2030.</p>
<p>With renewable energy projects <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/scaling-energy-storage-in-the-mena-region-amidst-renewables-boom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expanding</a> across the region, energy storage has started gaining traction in the MENA region.</p>
<p>In 2024, TotalEnergies and Aljomaih Energy &amp; Water Company <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/totalenergies-and-aljomaih-to-develop-300-mw-solar-project-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Saudi Power Procurement Company for the 300 MW Rabigh 2 solar project in Saudi Arabia.</p>


Renewable Energy Installations in the MENA Region Reaches 30 GW in 2024


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					</table><p>The <a href="https://www.argentina.gob.ar/economia/energia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Energy Secretariat</a> of Argentina’s <a href="https://www.economia.gob.ar/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Economy</a> has launched a global tender for 500 MW of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires’ (AMBA) critical nodes.</p>
<p>The project’s estimated value is $500 million, with an execution period of 12 to 18 months. The initiative aims to improve the electricity supply’s reliability and efficiency, particularly during peak demand hours.</p>
<p>Bids must be accompanied by a bank guarantee of $10,000/MW.</p>
<p>The project involves installing BESS in key locations to enable rapid energy injection during shortages. These batteries will provide short-duration capacity, voltage control, and reactive power management to reduce the risk of failures in the existing energy infrastructure.</p>
<p>The energy storage contracts will be signed with leading electricity distributors in Buenos Aires, Edenor, and Edesur, while the Wholesale Electricity Market Administration Company (<a href="https://cammesaweb.cammesa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAMMESA</a>) will be the guarantor.</p>
<p>The government has encouraged provincial jurisdictions to analyze this model and implement similar solutions in their territories, focusing on critical CAMMESA-identified nodes.</p>
<p>The project is a part of Argentina’s energy contingency plan instituted in October 2024 to stabilize and improve its power infrastructure. The plan includes short, medium, and long-term measures to recover electricity systems facing critical issues.</p>
<p>AMBA comprises approximately 40% of the country&#8217;s electricity consumption, making it a priority for energy infrastructure improvements. The implementation of storage solutions aims to prevent power outages, improve system efficiency, and ensure a stable electricity supply during high-demand periods.</p>
<p>This initiative marks Argentina’s first large-scale adoption of energy storage technology. The government seeks to integrate BESS to optimize the existing grid’s performance and reduce reliance on emergency power sources.</p>
<p>Argentina is part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, with more than half of the world’s lithium resources. In January 2024, Khanij Bidesh India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-lithium-exploration-pact-argentina" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> an agreement with Argentina-based mining company Catamarca Minera Y Energetica Sociedad Del Estado to explore and develop five lithium brine blocks. Lithium-ion is widely used in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.</p>


Argentina Launches 500 MW Battery Energy Storage Tender


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					</table><p><a href="https://www.gov.il/en/departments/the_electricity_authority/govil-landing-page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israel’s Electricity Authority</a> has awarded contracts for 1,500 MW high-voltage energy storage capacity to Enlight, <a href="https://edf-re-il.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDF</a>, Noy Storage, B-Light, Allied, and <a href="https://www.ormat.com/en/home/a/main/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ormat</a>.</p>
<p>A total of 11 bidders participated in the tender, submitting proposals for 29 projects with a total capacity of approximately 4,000 MW for at least four hours of energy storage. The estimated investment in these facilities is around ₪3 billion (~$845.98 million).</p>
<p>B-Light, Noy Storage, Allied, and Ormat will establish four facilities in Israel’s northern region, with a total capacity of 520 MW at an average tariff of ₪0.02 (~$0.0056)/kWh.</p>
<p>In the Arava region, Enlight and EDF will build three facilities with a combined capacity of 420 MW at an average tariff of ₪0.03 (~$0.0085)/kWh.</p>
<p>In the western Negev (T&#8217;kuma area), Noy Storage, Enlight, and EDF will construct four facilities with a total capacity of 560 MW, also at an average tariff of ₪0.03 (~$0.0085)/kWh.</p>
<p>The facilities are expected to begin operations in 2027, enabling the system operator integrate additional renewable energy facilities with the electricity grid. The facilities’ host regions face power grid congestion but have significant renewable energy generation potential.</p>
<p>The energy storage initiative aims to help optimize limited grid resources and support the country&#8217;s renewable energy targets.</p>
<p>Eli Cohen, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, &#8220;Establishing storage facilities is important to meet our renewable energy production targets. I congratulate the winners of the tender. This will increase the electricity supply in the market, reduce costs for consumers, and allow electricity consumption during emergencies while using clean energy to benefit Israel citizens&#8217; health.&#8221;</p>
<p>In August 2023, Israel announced an 800 MW/3,200 MWh BESS buildout comprising four facilities of 200 MW/800 MWh each in the northern Gilboa mountain range region.</p>


Israel Announces Winners of 1.5 GW Energy Storage Auction


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					</table><p><a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN</a> has issued a request for selection for the development of a 375 MW/1,500 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Uttar Pradesh under the build-own-operate model. The project has viability gap funding (VGF) support from the central government.</p>
<p>The project is part of an initiative to enhance grid reliability and support the growing energy storage needs of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (<a href="https://uppcl.org/uppcl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UPPCL</a>).</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by March 28, 2025. Bids will be opened on April 1.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹341,000 (~$3,932.85), a document fee of ₹29,500 (~$340.26), and a tender processing fee of ₹1.5 million (~$17,300.15) plus 18% GST for each. Selected bidders must submit a performance bank guarantee of ₹852,500 (~$9,829.12)/MWh per project.</p>
<p>The scope of work includes the design, financing, engineering, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the BESS project.</p>
<p>Bids can be submitted for a minimum of 500 MWh (125 MW x 4 hours) and a maximum allocation of 750 MWh (187.50 MW x 4 hours) per bidder. Bidders must quote capacities in multiples of 250 MWh.</p>
<p>Bidders must ensure compliance with grid standards, safety norms, and performance benchmarks. Bidders must have prior experience in battery storage .</p>
<p>The interconnection point is specified at the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation (<a href="https://upptcl.org/upptcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UPPTCL</a>) 400kV/220kV Garautha Substation in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh, with power injection into the state transmission utility network. Developers must obtain connectivity approval.</p>
<p>The BESS will be eligible for VGF support of up to ₹2.7 million (~$31,141.20)/MWh or 30% of the capital cost, whichever is lower. This means a 125 MW/400 MWh project could receive up to ₹1.08 billion (~$12.46 million) in VGF assistance.</p>
<p>Selected developers will enter into a battery energy storage purchase agreement with SJVN for 20 years.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a net worth equal to or greater than ₹3.41 million (~$39,328.50)/MWh of the quoted capacity as of the last date of the previous financial year or at least seven days before the bid submission .</p>
<p>Bidders must also have an average annual turnover of ₹5.115 million (~$58,987.12)/MWh in the last three financial years and a profit before depreciation, interest, and taxes of ₹1.023 million (~$11,798.12)/MWh as of FY 2023-24 or at least seven days before bid submission. They must also provide an in-principle sanction letter from a bank or financial institution confirming a line of credit of ₹2.841 million (~$32,762.12)/MWh.</p>
<p>Recently, SJVN Green Energy, a subsidiary of SJVN, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/sjvn-invites-bids-for-25-mw-green-hydrogen-project-in-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for consultancy services to develop a comprehensive roadmap, prepare a detailed project report, and draft a tender document to set up a 25 MW green hydrogen project in Assam.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of tender activity in real-time.</p>


SJVN Invites Bids for 375 MW/1,500 MWh Standalone BESS in Uttar Pradesh


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					</table><p>NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (<a href="https://www.nvvn.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NVVN</a>) has issued a request for selection for developers to set up an interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected 250 MW/1,000 MWh standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) under the build-own-operate model.</p>
<p>The BESS will be established with a viability gap funding (VGF) with a greenshoe option of an additional capacity of up to 250 MW/1,000 MWh.</p>
<p>The project will provide NVVN with energy on an on-demand basis, as required during the peak and off-peak hours.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by March 24, 2025. Bids will be opened on March 25.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹1.4 million (~$16,747.54) and a tender document fee of ₹22,500 (~$259.52). They must also submit a tender processing fee of ₹1.5 million (~$17,301.18) plus 18% GST for the quoted project capacity.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must submit a performance bank guarantee of ₹3.6 million (~$41,891.92)/MW.</p>
<p>The scope of work entails setting up the BESS, its charging power with single cycles charging/discharging operation, and the project’s interconnection with the ISTS. The charging power must preferably come from renewables, with other sources meeting any remaining requirements.</p>
<p>The total 1,000 MWh (250 MW X 4 hours) BESS capacity must be distributed and connected to ISTS substations anywhere in India.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must also operate and maintain the project, guaranteeing a minimum monthly system availability of 95%. If NVVN is unable to offtake the power, it will be liable to pay 52.88% of the discovered composite energy tariff to the developer for the difference between the energy made and energy scheduled on a monthly basis.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must design the BESS to provide a maximum of four hours of discharge capacity.</p>
<p>The minimum bid size is 200 MWh (50 MW x 4 hours) and the maximum 500 MWh (125 MW X 4 hours). NVVN may allocate and tie up additional capacity up to 250 MW/1,000 MWh under the greenshoe option.</p>
<p>Projects that have already been commissioned will not be considered under this tender. However, projects under construction or not yet commissioned will be considered if they are not accepted under any other central or state programs.</p>
<p>The responsibility of getting ISTS connectivity will vest with the developer.</p>
<p>A shortfall of system availability will attract liquidated damages of twice the composite discharge value.</p>
<p>The VGF amount applicable for each selected bidder towards setting up the BESS will be limited to ₹2.7 million (~$31,142.12)/MWh or 30% of the awarded project capacity’s capital cost, whichever is lower.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a net worth of at least ₹14.5 million (~$167,567.67)/MW of the quoted capacity in MW, or ₹3.6 million (~$41,891.92)/MWh in MWh capacity in the preceding financial year.</p>
<p>They must have an annual turnover of ₹48.4 million (~$558,251.34)/MW of the quoted capacity in MW or ₹12.1 million (~$139,562.83)/MWh in MWh capacity in the current financial year.</p>
<p>Recently, NVVN <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solarium-green-bags-7-mw-rooftop-solar-contract-from-nvvn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded</a> Solarium Green Energy a tender to install 6,929 kW grid-connected rooftop solar projects at multiple locations of the central armed forces and departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs in Uttar Pradesh.</p>


NVVN Issues Tender for 250 MW/1,000 MWh Standalone BESS


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					</table><p>Power Grid Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.powergrid.in/en#nolink" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POWERGRID</a>), through its wholly-owned subsidiary POWERGRID Energy Services, has invited bids for setting up 4,296 kW grid-connected rooftop solar systems in five southern states.</p>
<p>The project, covering POWERGRID&#8217;s buildings in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pm-surya-ghar-government-buildings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">implemented</a> under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by March 6, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit a bid security of ₹1 million (~$11,540).</p>
<p>Successful bidders must furnish a performance security of 10% of the total contract price within 28 days of receiving the award.</p>
<p>The scope of work includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, testing, and commissioning of the rooftop solar systems. The scope also includes civil, structural, and electric works and underground cabling, if required, for grid connectivity.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must provide maintenance services for five years from the date of commissioning or the start of net metering, whichever is later.</p>
<p>Bidders must have experience in the erection and commissioning of grid-connected solar projects with a minimum cumulative capacity of 300 kW during the last three years or must be a distributor/dealer who has supplied modules with a cumulative capacity of at least 1 MW during the last three years.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a positive net worth for the last three financial years. They must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹60 million (~$692,400) in the last five financial years or provide evidence of access to or availability of credit facilities amounting to no less than ₹10 million (~$115,400).</p>
<p>The project must be completed within six months of the work order issuance.</p>
<p>Recently, POWERGRID <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/powergrid-7-mw-rooftop-solar-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bulk contract bids to supply and install 7 MW of rooftop solar systems on its buildings in northern and western regions under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker </a>to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>


POWERGRID Invites Bids for 4.2 MW Rooftop Solar Systems in Southern States


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					</table><p>The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://cercind.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CERC</a>) has adopted tariffs ranging between ₹3.43 (~$0.0395) and ₹3.46 (~$0.0398)/kWh for 1,200 MW wind-solar hybrid power projects (Tranche-VIII).</p>
<p>The tariffs were discovered through a competitive bidding process conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECI</a>).</p>
<p>The Commission directed SECI to ensure the completion of the power purchase agreements (PPA) and power sale agreements (PSA).</p>
<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>SECI had filed a petition before CERC seeking approval for adopting the tariffs and a trading margin of ₹0.07 (~$0.0008)/kWh for the 1,200 MW wind-solar hybrid power projects.</p>
<p>SECI initiated the process with a request for selection (RfS) on February 20, 2024, for projects connected to the interstate transmission system (ISTS). The bidding process was conducted through an e-reverse auction, which saw participation from eight bidders offering a total capacity of 2,160 MW.</p>
<p>Six bidders &#8212; Juniper Green Energy, Avaada Energy, Adyant Enersol, AMPIN Energy Utility, Asurari Renewables India Project, and JSW Neo Energy – were <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-wind-solar-auction-tranche-viii" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chosen</a> and issued letters of award on June 20, 2024.</p>
<p><strong>Commission’s Analysis</strong></p>
<p>The Commission determined that the bidding process conducted by SECI was fair, competitive, and transparent, as per the guidelines set by the Ministry of Power.</p>
<p>The central regulator reviewed SECI’s bid evaluation committee reports, confirming that the auction was done without deviations from the prescribed rules.</p>
<p>It found that the discovered tariffs were reasonable and consistent with market conditions, ensuring affordability for end consumers while maintaining financial viability for power producers.</p>
<p>CERC also approved SECI’s trading margin of ₹0.07 (~$0.0008)/kWh but imposed a condition that this rate would only apply if SECI provides adequate financial security measures such as an escrow arrangement or an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit. If these conditions are not met, the trading margin will be capped at ₹0.02 (~$0.0002)/kWh.</p>
<p>The commission also instructed SECI to submit copies of executed PPAs and PSAs once the awarded capacity is fully tied up. If the agreements are not carried out, SECI must inform CERC of the reasons for the delay.</p>
<p>The awarded projects must achieve financial closure six months before the scheduled supply date. Additionally, developers must complete the full commissioning of the projects within 24 months from the date of the PPA signing. Failure to meet these deadlines will attract penalties.</p>
<p>Recently, the CERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/central-commission-approves-tariff-for-secis-900-mw-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> SECI’s petition to adopt a tariff of ₹2.6 (~$0.0299)/kWh for 900 MW interstate transmission system-connected solar power projects (Tranche- XI).</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.</p>


CERC Adopts Tariffs for SECI’s 1.2 GW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects


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					</table><p>Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam (<a href="https://mprenewable.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MPUVNL</a>) has issued a request for proposal (RfP) to develop rooftop solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 2.215 MW on government buildings in Chhindwara, Dhar, and Seoni districts.</p>
<p>Bids for all districts must be submitted by April 1, 2025. Bids will be opened on April 4.</p>
<p>Bidders for all districts must also pay a document fee of ₹25,000 (~$288) and a performance security of ₹2,500 (~$28.85).</p>
<p><strong>Chhindwara District</strong></p>
<p>The projects in Chhindwara will have a capacity of 803 kW.</p>
<p>Bidders must pay an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹803,000 (~$9,260).</p>
<p>They must also have a minimum net worth of ₹8.03 million (~$92,680.98).</p>
<p>Bidders must not have failed to perform any contract exceeding a contract value of ₹12.44 million (~$143,638.20) in the last three years.</p>
<p><strong>Dhar District</strong></p>
<p>The projects in Dhar will have a capacity of 829 kW.</p>
<p>Bidders must pay an EMD of ₹829,000 (~$9,568).</p>
<p>They must also have a minimum net worth of ₹8.29 million (~$95,681.85).</p>
<p>Bidders must not have failed to perform any contract exceeding a contract value of ₹ 12.43 million (~$143,522.78) in the last three years.</p>
<p><strong>Seoni Districts</strong></p>
<p>The projects in Seoni will have a capacity of 583 kW.</p>
<p>Bidders must pay an EMD of ₹583,000 (~$6,729).</p>
<p>They must also have a minimum net worth of ₹5.83 million (~$67,288.93).</p>
<p>Bidders must not have failed to perform any contract exceeding a contract value of ₹8.74 million (~$100,933.39) in the last three years.</p>
<p>Selected bidders for all tenders must sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with respective district drawing and disbursing officers to develop, operate, and maintain the projects.</p>
<p>The scope of work entails designing, installing, commissioning, and operating the projects. It also involves evacuation of power metering arrangement and meter replacement per the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) (Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Systems and Related Matters) regulations and related amendments.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must connect each project to the interconnection point for the project sites’ net metering per the applicable MPERC regulations and amendments.</p>
<p>If they are a consortium, a foreign company, or a limited liability company, they must incorporate a special purpose vehicle to execute the PPA, keeping the original shareholding unchanged.</p>
<p>Foreign companies must comply with all foreign direct investment regulations. Companies from countries sharing a land border with India must be registered with the competent authority. All companies in consortiums from such countries must also register with the competent authority.</p>
<p>These requirements do not apply to countries to which the Indian government has extended lines of credit, or in which it is engaged in developmental projects.</p>
<p>Bidders must undertake the necessary due diligence on all the projects before quoting the project tariffs.</p>
<p>Recently, MPUVNL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/madhya-pradesh-tenders-1-5-gw-solar-projects-under-kusum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> an RfP to select renewable energy power generators to set up a cumulative capacity of 1,500 MW solar projects in Madhya Pradesh under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan program.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>


Madhya Pradesh Floats Tenders for 2.21 MW Rooftop Solar Projects


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					</table><p>The U.S. community solar market installed a record-breaking 1.7 GW of capacity in 2024, a 35% increase from 2023, according to a new report by <a href="https://woodmac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wood Mackenzie</a> in collaboration with the Coalition for Community Solar Access (<a href="https://communitysolaraccess.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CCSA</a>).</p>
<p>The report said long-term growth of the community solar market, however, hangs in the balance because of the policy uncertainty in the U.S.</p>
<p>New York, Maine, and Illinois led the growth, with all three states breaking annual records and accounting for 83% of national volumes. Cumulative community solar installations are now at 8.6 GW.</p>
<p>Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers that receive credits on electricity bills for their share of the energy produced.</p>
<p>A report by Wood Mackenzie and CCSA in mid-2023 <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/despite-headwinds-poised-to-surpass-6-gw-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> strong headwinds for the sector because of supply chain challenges.</p>
<p>According to another report by Wood Mackenzie and Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar industry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solar-additions-us-q3-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">installed</a> 8.6 GW capacity in Q3 2024, a 21% year-over-year increase but a 13% decline from the previous quarter.</p>
<p>Caitlin Connelly, research analyst and lead author of the report stated that despite impressive 2024 installation volumes, the top state markets are saturating quickly and will not be able to sustain the same levels of growth long-term. She said, “Additionally, emerging markets have been slow to ramp up, and program size caps limit the potential for growth in these states to make up for declines in larger markets.”</p>
<p>In Wood Mackenzie’s base case, national community solar growth will contract 8% annually on average through 2029, culminating in over 15 GW of cumulative installed community solar projects. However, depending on how policy changes and interconnection reform materialize, the growth outlook could vary greatly.</p>
<p>The new U.S. administration has fueled extreme uncertainty in the solar sector, but material actions so far have resulted in minimal changes to the base case outlook.</p>
<p>“However, in a low case representing an extreme downside scenario, our five-year outlook contracts 40% compared to the base case. By contrast, business as usual at the federal level and rapidly improving state policy and interconnection conditions result in a high case outlook 37% higher than the base case,” Connelly added.</p>
<p><strong>Market Expansion</strong></p>
<p>The report said community solar could receive a boost from new state markets that have proposed legislation for the sector. Legislation in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia, Washington, and Wisconsin has progressed, signaling strong bipartisan support and the potential for new market expansion. If these legislations pass, new community solar state markets have the potential to boost base case outlook by at least 16% by 2029.</p>
<p>Community solar capacity directly serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers is concentrated in New York and Massachusetts. The two states comprise 49% of the 1 GW of LMI-serving community solar. LMI subscribers make up 14% of the total deployed community solar capacity.</p>
<p>Stricter LMI subscriber requirements in emerging state markets will result in LMI capacity making up nearly 18% of total community solar capacity by 2026.</p>
<p>The top five community solar installers secured 19% of the market in 2024, down from 25% in 2023. The competitive landscape for asset owners is significantly more exclusive, dominant, and region-specific than that of community solar installers. The top 10 community solar asset owners secured 54% of capacity installed in 2024 and 40% of cumulative capacity. Top asset owners include Nexamp, AES Clean Energy, and Nautilus Solar.</p>
<p>Jeff Cramer, President and CEO, CCSA, said, “Community solar’s record-breaking growth in 2024 is a clear sign that demand for affordable, distributed energy is stronger than ever.”</p>


Record 1.7 GW Community Solar Added in the U.S. in 2024; Long-Term Growth Uncertain


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					</table><p>The Assam Power Distribution Company (<a href="https://www.apdcl.org/website/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APDCL</a>) has invited bids to set up rooftop solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 134 MW across government buildings under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna.</p>
<p>The capacity will be divided into 76 MW in lower Assam, 31 MW in central Assam, and 27 MW in upper Assam.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by March 11, 2025. Bids will be opened on March 12.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹840 (~$9.66)/kW of the quoted capacity.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a tariff of ₹5.73 (~$0.066)/kWh for the supplied power.</p>
<p>The scope of work entails the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must ensure grid connectivity per the APDCL and Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission regulations.</p>
<p>They must also use solar modules from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers and provide operations and maintenance services for 25 years.</p>
<p>Successful Bidders must complete the project within six months from the PPA signing date. They will get a maximum extension of 90 days beyond the scheduled commissioning date.</p>
<p>Failing to meet the minimum capacity utilization factor of 13.5% will attract liquidated damages of 50% of the PPA tariff.</p>
<p>Bidders must have set up rooftop solar projects of at least 10% of the tender capacity in the last five financial years, with at least one project with a minimum capacity of 50 kW. The project must have been operational for the previous six months.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a positive net worth during two of the last three financial years. They must also have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹12,600 (~$144,94)/kW of the total quoted capacity during the last three financial years.</p>
<p>In January 2024, APDCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/assam-issues-consultancy-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> expressions of interest for project management consultant services for a 1,000 MW grid-connected solar project in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of the real-time tender activity.</p>


Assam Invites Bids for 134 MW Rooftop Solar Projects


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					</table><p>The <a href="https://heavyindustries.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Heavy Industries</a> has signed a program agreement with <a href="https://www.ril.com/businesses/new-energy-materials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reliance New Energy Battery</a>, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, for a capacity of 10 GWh under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Program for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC).</p>
<p>With this agreement, a cumulative capacity of 40 GWh has been allocated to four firms out of the total 50 GWh capacity.</p>
<p>The initial bidding for the ACC Energy Storage PLI Program <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/reliance-ola-hyundai-rajesh-exports-win-bid-50-gwh-acc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concluded</a> in March 2022, awarding 50 GWh capacity to Ola Electric Mobility (20 GWh), Hyundai Global Motors (20 GWh), Reliance New Energy (5 GWh), and Rajesh Exports (5 GWh). However, Hyundai withdrew, leaving 20 GWh unallocated. The remaining winners <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/reliance-ola-rajesh-exports-sign-agreement-battery-storage-pli" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> the program agreement in August 2022.</p>
<p>To allocate the remaining capacity, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-retenders-10-gwh-battery-cell-pli">issued</a> a tender in April last year to select manufacturers for 10 GWh. Bids totaling 70 GWh were <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seven-companies-10-gwhcell-capacity-pli" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submitted</a> by ACME Cleantech Solutions, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, Anvi Power Industries (Gensol Group), JSW Neo Energy, Reliance Industries, Lucas TVS, and Waaree Energies.</p>
<p>The budget for the capacity tendered was ₹36.2 billion (~$416.71 million).</p>
<p>The technology-agnostic PLI program was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/dhi-issues-details-pli-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> in May 2021, with the government allocating ₹181 billion (~$2.08 billion) to establish 50 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity.</p>
<p>Under the program, selected bidders must commit to setting up an ACC manufacturing facility with a minimum value addition of 25% within two years from the appointed date and a minimum of 60% value addition within five years from the appointed date. They must also establish a manufacturing capacity of 5 to 10 GWh within five years from the appointed date, and only then will they be ranked from the highest to the lowest based on their technical score.</p>
<p>The subsidy disbursement will commence once the proposed committed capacity and value addition levels are achieved and the sale of the ACC begins. The disbursement will be phased over a five-year window, payable quarterly, as per the program agreement signed between the government and the selected bidder.</p>


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