The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) has invited an expression of interest from developers, engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractors, and investors to develop a 500 MW solar park in Dondaicha and 1,500 MW solarization of agriculture feeder across the state.

MAHAGENCO is aiming for 1,500 MW solarization of agriculture feeder by construction of solar projects from a minimum of 2 MW to a maximum of 50 MW across the state of Maharashtra.

If the projects go through, they will go a long way in fulfilling the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) of MAHAGENCO. According to Mercom’s India Solar Tracker, the RPO for Maharashtra has been fixed at 12.50 percent for the financial year 2017-18, out of which two percent is solar. The next financial year, the RPO is set at 13.75 percent out of which 2.75 percent is solar.

This will also be financially beneficial for MAHAGENCO as solar tariffs have fallen below that of thermal power. In the past, MAHAGENCO has shut down four of its thermal power projects in the state due to poor offtake by the state power distribution company and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL), due to cost issues.