NHPC has invited bids for selecting project developers to supply 1.5 GW of ‘firm and dispatchable’ renewable power from inter-state transmission system-connected projects coupled with energy storage systems anywhere in India. The last date for the submission of bids is November 17, 2023. Bids will open on November 20. The bidders have the flexibility to choose any location within India for their projects.

Shakti Pumps has bagged a ₹1.49 billion (~$17.9 million) contract from Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam to supply, install, and commission solar water pumps under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan program. The project entails replacing existing grid-connected alternating current pumps with advanced brushless direct current pumps, which will operate using electricity generated from solar while supplying excess power to the grid.

NTPC Renewable Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, has invited bids for land and extra high voltage (EHV) transmission system package for the development of up to 2 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power projects in Rajasthan (Tranche-III). The successful bidder must also manage the operation and maintenance of the EHV transmission line and terminal bay at the ISTS end for three years from the project commissioning date. The last date to submit the bids is November 14, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day.

In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Ranjan Kumar, Director – Ethics, Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, SKF India and Southeast Asia, talks about the company’s net-zero strategy and green energy initiatives. He speaks about the company’s motivation to switch to renewables to meet its energy demands and how uniform power sourcing and generation policies across the country could drive renewable adoption among corporates.

A residential complex, My Home Vihanga, in Hyderabad, has floated a tender to develop a 500-kW grid-connected rooftop solar power project in Gachibowli. The project will fall under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s rooftop solar grid-connected program facilitated by the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation. The last date for the submission of bids is October 15, 2023. Bids will be opened the next day.

The Ministry of Power has proposed slashing the Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) for coal or lignite-based power generating stations to a minimum of 6-10% from the previous 40%. The ministry issued a draft notification on RGO to establish a minimum requirement for electricity generation from renewable sources for coal or lignite-based power generating stations. Earlier rules mandated that coal or lignite-based generating stations beginning operation on or after April 1, 2023, must either establish or procure renewable energy equal to 40% of their thermal generation capacity.

Government-owned NLC India has won the bid to develop an 810 MW solar project from Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). RRVUNL issued the tender to develop the 810 MW solar project in December 2022. NLC quoted a tariff of ₹2.64 (~$0.03)/kWh to win the auction. A letter of intent for the same was issued by RRVUNL. The project is part of RRVUNL’s 2 GW Ultra Mega Solar Park in the Pugal Tehsil of Bikaner District, Rajasthan.

Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam has invited bids to develop 66 solar power projects with an aggregate capacity of 150.26 MW under Component-C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan program in Bawari and Hatundi subdivisions of Mathania Division under Jodhpur Circle. The successful bidder must oversee the project’s operation and maintenance for 25 years. They will also have to provide a remote monitoring system.