Altra Xergi Power (O2 Power) won the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) auction for the assured peak supply of 8,000 MWh (2000 MW x 4 hours) of renewable energy from interstate transmission system-connected projects under tariff-based competitive bidding (FDRE-VI). Altra Xergi quoted a tariff of ₹8.50 (~$0.099)/kWh to win 200 MW. The other bidders were ACME Solar Holdings and Avaada Energy.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has rejected SECI’s petition to adopt tariffs for its 500 MW/1,000 MWh Standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems pilot projects. Although the bidding process was deemed transparent and compliant with guidelines, the Commission found the proposed tariffs misaligned with prevailing market conditions due to significant delays in project agreements and falling battery costs.

In 2024, Mercom India conducted a series of exclusive interviews with top executives from the renewable energy sector and government agencies, bringing out their insights on the industry and the way forward. Here is a look at some impactful interviews that delve into renewable energy policies, the rooftop solar sector, smart metering innovations, commercial and industrial solutions, and parametric insurance for the renewables sector.

ITI, a public sector undertaking under the Department of Telecommunication, has issued a tender for the procurement of 738,000 polycrystalline solar cells. The tender specifies the procurement of polycrystalline solar cells with a 5BB design, each having a minimum power output of 3.58 Wp and a tolerance of -0% to +2%. The total capacity of the 738,000 solar cells, each rated at a minimum of 3.58 Wp, amounts to approximately 2.64 MW.

Tata Power Trading Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, has issued an expression of interest for the procurement of up to 500 MW of renewable energy (solar, wind, hybrid, hydro) or green attributes up to 25 years. The last date to submit the bids is January 31, 2025. The bidder’s scope of work includes off-taking power/green attributes generated from solar, wind, hybrid renewable energy, and hydroelectric projects for the long term.

The Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency has invited expressions of interest to implement approximately 20 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems under the renewable energy service company model for supplying solar power to registered housing societies across the state. Bids must be submitted by January 30, 2025. Bids will be opened on January 31.

The Punjab Mandi Board has issued nine tenders for a cumulative 9.6 MW grid-connected rooftop solar projects in Punjab. The scope of work involves supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning on-grid rooftop solar power projects in different locations. The project must be completed within two months. Bidders must submit one bid for one project/work package.

Telecommunications company Bharti Airtel has announced the acquisition of a 26% stake in a special purpose vehicle of Amp Energy, which will set up a 50 MW wind-solar hybrid power project in Rajasthan. Airtel will procure power from AMP Energy Green Three’s hybrid power project in Barmer, Rajasthan in captive mode. The project will connect to a 220 KV grid and provide green energy across India using interstate transmission networks.

DISCOMs owed power generators ₹672.91 billion (~$7.84 billion) in total dues for the monthly billing cycle in December 2024, according to the Ministry of Power’s payment ratification and analysis portal PRAAPTI. The DISCOMs owed power generators ₹653.51 billion (~$7.71 billion) in November. The current outstanding dues, excluding the latest monthly dues of ₹368.14 billion (~$4.29 billion), are ₹304.77 billion (~$3.56 billion).