Juniper Green Energy, Asurarai Renewables (UPC Renewables), AMPIN Energy, Adyant Enersol (Datta Infra), JSW Energy, and Avaada Energy were declared winners in Solar Energy Corporation of India’s auction to develop 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind-solar hybrid power projects (Tranche VIII). Juniper quoted the lowest tariff of ₹3.43 (~$0.0411)/kWh to win 150 MW. UPC, JSW, AMPIN, and Datta each quoted a tariff of ₹3.45 (~$0.0413)/kWh to win 300 MW, 300 MW, 150 MW, and 60 MW, respectively. Avaada won 240 MW out of the quoted capacity of 600 MW at a tariff of ₹3.46 (~$0.0414)/kWh under the bucket-filling method.

India achieved 1.8 GW of solar open access capacity in the first quarter of 2024, doubling from 909.3 MW in Q4 2023, according to the Q1 2024 Mercom India Solar Open Access Market Report. Installations increased by 152% year-over-year. Implemented by the Ministry of Power, Green Energy Open Access Rules have enabled consumers with a total contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or above to utilize green energy through open access. The earlier limit was 1 MW. “Reducing the limit to 100 kW created new opportunities, especially for small businesses looking to purchase renewable energy. Consumers are increasingly transitioning to clean energy for various reasons, including sustainability practices, cost reduction, and meeting the demands of investors and buyers emphasizing greener supply chains, particularly for export markets,” noted a prominent open access developer.

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has adopted tariffs of ₹3.42 (~$0.04)/kWh for Alfanar Power’s 50 MW wind power and ₹3.44 (~$0.041)/kWh for Juniper Green’s 90 MW of wind power projects in response to a petition filed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL). The Commission also allowed GUVNL to sign power purchase agreements (PPA) with the project developers. GUVNL initiated a bidding process for 500 MW of wind power with an additional greenshoe option for up to 500 MW. Four bidders offered a total capacity of 205 MW. The e-reverse auction was conducted for 164 MW. Two bidders were selected: Alfanar Power for 50 MW and Juniper Green Energy for 90 MW. Bids from RIH Renewables and Solarcraft Power India did not qualify.

The GERC has recently finalized tariffs for three solar power projects in the state with a cumulative capacity of 1,200 MW and authorized GUVNL to sign the power purchase agreements with the developers. SJVN Green Energy has been contracted to supply 500 MW of solar power at ₹2.54 ($0.0304)/kWh. SAEL Industries will supply 200 MW of solar power, with an option to provide an additional 200 MW if required. The tariff rate for the initial 200 MW is ₹2.55 ($0.0305)/kWh. The greenshoe capacity will be supplied at ₹2.54 ($0.0304)/kWh. Coal India will supply 300 MW of solar power at a tariff of  ₹2.55 ($0.0305)/kWh.

Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency has invited expressions of interest from consultants for a detailed survey and preparation of feasibility reports for grid-connected rooftop solar projects on government buildings. The last day to submit the bids is July 10, 2024. Bids will be opened on July 16. Bidders must submit ₹12,980 (~$155) towards bid application and processing fees. They must also furnish a bid security of ₹1 million (~$11,968). Successful bidders must furnish 10% of the contract price as a contract performance bank guarantee within 20 days of the issue of the letter of award.

HPCL Renewable and Green has invited bids for land and EHV transmission system package for the development of ISTS-connected solar power projects of 600 MW in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The last date for the submission of bids is June 21, 2024. Bids will be opened the same day. The scope of work includes identifying and arranging the required land and designing, engineering, supplying, constructing, erection, and commissioning the EHV transmission system up to the ISTS substation. This excludes the pooling substation at the solar project end but includes bay construction at the grid substation for a 600 MW capacity.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued the Draft Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2024. The Commission has invited stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft by July 2, 2024. These rules apply to Green Energy Open Access sought by licensees, green energy generators, and consumers with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more through a single connection or multiple connections within the same electricity division. These regulations aim to facilitate non-discriminatory open access to green energy for utilizing intra-state transmission system and/or distribution system of licensees within the state, including intra-state transmission or distribution system related to inter-state transmission of electricity.