Sprng Energy, AMPIN, Juniper, ReNew, Avaada Win NTPC’s 1 GW Hybrid Auction

Biofuels Firm GPS Renewables Raises $50 Million in Debt Financing

Solar Auctions Surge by 229% in Q1 2024, Tender Activity Up 122%

Global Wind Installations Reached 1 TW Milestone in 2023

Funding and M&A Roundup: Nexamp Secures $520 Million

Project Finance Brief: Arevon Secures $352 Million for Posey Solar Project

Indian Oil Issues Empanelment Tender for Solar Power Projects

Southern Railway Seeks Bids for 1.2 MW Rooftop Solar Projects in Chennai

Husk Secures $4 Million from Electrifi to Scale up Mini Grids in Rural India

Doubling Transmission Capacity of Existing Grid Through Reconductoring: Report


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/amazon_polly_62976.mp3?version=1707388750">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (<a href="https://mnre.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MNRE</a>) has allotted Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSU) state-wise responsibility for accelerating the implementation of rooftop solar programs across the country.</p>
<p>The CPSUs designated under the program include <a href="https://www.powergrid.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POWERGRID</a>, <a href="https://www.ntpc.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC</a>, <a href="https://thdc.co.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">THDC</a>, <a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN</a>, Energy Efficiency Services (<a href="https://eeslindia.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EESL</a>), Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DVC</a>), North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (<a href="https://neepco.co.in/hi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NEEPCO</a>) and <a href="https://www.nhpcindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHPC</a>.</p>
<p>The ministry noted the lack of vendor capacity in the rooftop solar segment was the major reason for the slow progress of rooftop solar adoption.</p>
<p>The CPSUs will undertake the implementation of rooftop solar systems in the states assigned to them and install high-quality modules, inverters, and other equipment at a fair price. They will also undertake the implementation of rooftop solar projects for small households in renewable energy service company (RESCO) mode.</p>
<p>The table below provides state-wise CPSU allocation details.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-62996 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar.png" alt="CPSU Allocation for Rooftop Solar" width="741" height="1080" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar.png 741w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar-206x300.png 206w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar-650x947.png 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar-624x909.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CPSU-Allocation-for-Rooftop-Solar-600x874.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px" /></p>
<p>The implementation of the rooftop solar programs by the CPSUs will be in addition to the existing vendor capacity in the private sector. CPSUs can explore the option of setting up a subsidiary or a special-purpose vehicle to implement these projects.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://cea.nic.in/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Electricity Authority</a> will help the ministry calculate the benchmark prices and margins to be allowed after considering the actual cost in different regions.</p>
<p>REC Limited, the central implementing <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/rec-limited-lead-national-rooftop-solar-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agency</a> for the rooftop solar program, will coordinate and monitor the progress made by the CPSUs in their assigned states.</p>
<p>The government is currently reviewing the existing procedures in different states to simplify and standardize them.</p>
<p>Recently, Union Minister for Power and New &amp; Renewable Energy R K Singh <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/residential-rooftop-solar-subsidy-increased-60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> a news channel that households will not be required to pay anything for the rooftop solar system. The designated CPSU will set up the 3 kW solar systems, for which the household will not be required to make any investment. The CPSUs will be availing loans for setting up the systems, which will now carry a subsidy of 60% in place of the earlier 40%.</p>
<p>As a part of the Budget 2024, the government <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/budget-2024-free-electricity-rooftop-solar-vgf-offshore-wind" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> that it will provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month to 10 million households through rooftop solarization. The announcement follows the recent Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana initiative, which aims to reduce the electricity expenditure of poor and middle-class households while enabling India’s self-reliance in the field of energy.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Satish Shetty</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Satish-pic-1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Satish Shetty,</strong> Associate Editor at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Satish Shetty.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Satish-pic-1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Satish Shetty</strong></a> is an Associate Editor with Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Satish was a multimedia news producer at Reuters, where he gained experience in digital news media. Satish has his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Broadcast Journalism from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Satish Shetty.</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

MNRE Designates Central Agencies to Accelerate Rooftop Solar Adoption in States


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/amazon_polly_61826.mp3?version=1704190563">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DVC)</a> has invited bids for the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, commissioning, and five-year operation and maintenance of an 8 MW grid-tied ground-mounted solar power project at the DVC plant at Konar village in Hazaribagh District, Jharkhand.</p>
<p>The last date for the submission of bids is February 5, 2024. Bids will be opened on February 6.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit a tender fee of ₹25,000 (~$300) and an earnest money deposit of ₹4.2 million (~$50,660.9)</p>
<p>The location of the project is at the DVC Konar Dam, and the specified cell or module technology for the solar installation is mono-crystalline. The tender is flexible concerning the origin of the cell/module manufacturer.</p>
<p>The modules must have a warranty of at least ten years from the supply date, covering material/manufacturing defects and workmanship.</p>
<p>The modules should be warranted with a linear degradation rate of power output, excluding the first year (up to 3%, including LID), and guarantee a minimum of 80% of the initial rated power output after 25 years from the date of commercial operation.</p>
<p>The electrical connection should be done at a voltage level of 33 kV, linking to the DVC 132 kV/33 kV Konar substation at the interconnection point.</p>
<p>The performance parameters at the 33 kV termination point of the DVC switchyard include a minimum performance ratio of 77%. The Capacity Utilization Factor at the same termination point is specified to be 22.5%.</p>
<p>Bidders must independently inspect the site to assess the site&#8217;s form, geological conditions, access, and loading/unloading facilities before submitting bids.</p>
<p>They must prepare a comprehensive design basis report, incorporating relevant standards and detailed clause descriptions. The submission should include a summary master schedule or Level 2 schedule, accompanied by a PERT Chart and master drawing list.</p>
<p>Prior to the commencement of detailed engineering and project work, the contractor must submit these documents to the owner for review and approval.</p>
<p>The scope of work of the selected developer also includes conducting a feasibility study for a grid-tied rooftop solar system, which is designated for installation on the roof of the main control room (MCR) buildings. The system&#8217;s capacity will be determined during the detailed design and engineering stage based on the available rooftop area.</p>
<p>The rooftop solar system will be integrated with the low-tension system of the MCR building. The general specifications of the rooftop solar system are expected to align with those of a ground-mounted solar system, ensuring consistency in overall design and functionality.</p>
<p>In February last year, DVC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/damodar-valley-corp-8-mw-solar-project-jharkhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids from engineering, procurement, and construction contractors to commission an 8 MW ground-mounted solar project in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.</p>
<p>Earlier, DVC had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bids-10-mw-solar-projects-in-jharkhand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to install and commission 10 MW of grid-connected solar projects at its thermal power station in Koderma, Jharkhand.</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 tender activity in real-time.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Gautamee Hazarika</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Gautamee,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="gautamee@mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gautamee@mercomindia.com</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">Gautamee</a> is a reporter at Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Gautamee was working as a multimedia news journalist at ThePrint in New Delhi. She has received her Bachelors in English Honors and Masters in English Literature from St.Stephen&#8217;s College, University of Delhi.<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/gautamee-hazarika/" rel="noopener">More articles from Gautamee</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

DVC Invites Bids for 8 MW Solar Project in Jharkhand


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/amazon_polly_56192.mp3?version=1689050006">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/gensol-wins-epc-contract-dvc-8-mw-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Engineering and consulting firm Gensol Engineering has been awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction contract by the Damodar Valley Corporation for an 8 MW ground-mounted solar</strong></a> power project in Panchet town of Dhanbad district in Jharkhand. The company will also oversee the project’s operation and maintenance for five years. Gensol won the project by quoting ₹476 million (~$5.76 million) in the e-reverse auction.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-rfs-1-5-gw-electrolyzer-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Solar Energy Corporation of India has issued a request for selection (RfS) of electrolyzer manufacturers for setting up 1.5 GW of electrolyzer manufacturing capacities in India</strong></a> under Tranche-I of the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Program. The last date to submit the bids is September 5, 2023. Bids will be opened on September 8. Bidders must submit a bid processing fee of ₹1.5 million (~$18,153) and an earnest money deposit of ₹740,000 (~$8,955)/MW of the quoted capacity.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-bids-500-mw-ists-connected-renewable-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Solar Energy Corporation of India has invited bids to select renewable energy developers for the supply of 500 MW of power from interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected renewable energy</strong></a> projects with storage across India. Under the tender, the renewable energy developer will have to set up ISTS-connected renewable energy power projects, including the dedicated transmission network up to the interconnection/ delivery points, at its own cost under the terms of the power purchase agreement. Energy storage systems will constitute part of the project.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bhel-floats-2-mw-solar-project-in-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has invited bids to select a solar project developer to set up a 2 MW grid-connected solar power project at BHEL’s Campus in Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad</strong></a>, on a Build Own Operate and Transfer basis. The last date to submit the bid is July 18, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of the work includes designing, building, synchronizing, starting up, operating, and maintaining the solar power project and supplying the generated electricity to BHEL for 25 years.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-bids-15-mw-rooftop-solar-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Solar Energy Corporation of India has invited bids to select developers for setting up 15 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) building</strong></a><strong>s</strong> under the renewable energy service company model. The successful bidder will also have to take care of the project’s operation and maintenance for the power purchase agreement term of 25 years. Under this tender, the solar power developer will be required to set up grid-connected rooftop solar systems to supply solar power to MCD.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-invites-bids-project-in-maharashtra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NTPC has invited bids for the operation and maintenance of a 23.3 MW grid-connected solar power project at Solapur for a period of twenty-four months.</strong></a> The last date to submit the bid is July 20, 2023. Bids will be opened the same day. The scope of work involves overseeing the functioning, upkeep, and cleanliness of the complete solar photovoltaic facility, which consists of three separate blocks. Block-1 and Block-2 have a capacity of 10 MW each, and Block-3 has a capacity of 3.3 MW.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-bids-450000-mta-green-hydrogen-facilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Solar Energy Corporation of India has invited bids to select green hydrogen producers for setting up 450,000 metric tons (MT)/annum production facilities for green hydrogen across India</strong></a> under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program (Mode-I, Tranche-I). The SIGHT program is a significant financial measure under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an outlay of ₹174.9 billion (~$2.12 billion). The last date to submit the bids is September 7, 2023. Bids will be opened on September 12.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/spain-based-utility-931-million-through-green-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spain-based independent power producer Iberdrola has issued ten-year green bonds raising about €850 million (~$930.64 million). The proceeds from the bond issuance will be allocated to green</strong></a> eligible assets, as defined in Iberdrola’s Green Financing Framework. The bond issuance witnessed demand exceeding €2 billion (~$ 2.1 billion). Setting a credit spread of 60 basis points over the corresponding benchmark (ten-year mid-swap), the company achieved a very narrow level, allowing for a fixed coupon of 3.625%. The transaction was carried out in a green format, aligning with Iberdrola’s commitment to sustainability.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/mercom-staff/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Mercom Staff</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"></div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Daily News Wrap-Up: Damodar Valley Corporation’s 8 MW Solar EPC Auction


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="http://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/amazon_polly_49807.mp3?version=1677481233">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has invited bids to develop 310 MW floating and ground-mounted solar projects at Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DVC</a>) reservoirs.</p>
<p>The tender has been issued on behalf of Green Valley Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of NTPC REL in a joint venture with DVC.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Project-Locations.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-49811 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Project-Locations.png" alt="Project Locations" width="432" height="203" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Project-Locations.png 432w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Project-Locations-300x141.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></a>Selected bidders must provide three years of comprehensive operational and maintenance services.</p>
<p>The last day to submit the bids is March 31, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bid-Security.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-49809 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bid-Security.png" alt="Bid Security" width="426" height="266" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bid-Security.png 426w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bid-Security-300x187.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px" /></a>Bidders must have developed, designed, erected, commissioned, or supervised these activities for a grid-connected solar power project with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW or higher. At least one project must have been of 10 MW or higher capacity. The reference project must have been in operation for at least six months before the bid opening date.</p>
<p>Alternatively, bidders should have executed an industrial project in power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, coal handling plant and/or any other process industry costing a minimum of ₹2 billion (~$24.16 million).</p>
<p>Bidders must also have executed at least one electrical substation of 33 kV or above voltage and which has been operating for at least the last year.</p>
<p>The average annual turnover for bidders must be ₹2 billion (~$24.16 million) for any three financial years out of the preceding five years.</p>
<p>The net worth of the bidders as of the last day of the preceding financial year should not be less than 100% of their paid-up share capital.</p>
<p>NTPC Renewable Energy had recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-subsidiary-issues-epc-tender-for-500-mw-of-solar-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction package with land development for 500 MW of inter-state transmission system-connected solar projects anywhere in India.</p>
<p>In January, NTPC Renewable Energy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-floats-balance-system-tender-1-gw-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for the balance of system package with land for interstate transmission system-connected solar projects up to 1,000 MW anywhere in India except Rajasthan with a greenshoe option for an additional 500 MW.</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> for timely updates on all solar tenders issued by various agencies in India.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Arjun Joshi</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Arjun-Joshi-1.png" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Arjun Joshi,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Arjun Joshi.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn">
<p><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Arjun-Joshi-1.png" width="86" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Arjun Joshi</strong> </a>is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, he worked as a technical writer for enterprise resource software companies based in India and abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Optional English from Garden City University, Bangalore. <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Arjun Joshi.</a></p>
<p style="height: 17px">
</div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

NTPC Renewable Energy Invites Bids for 310 MW of Solar Projects


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="http://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/amazon_polly_49539.mp3?version=1676952581">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/dvcwebsite_new1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DVC</a>) has invited bids from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors to commission an 8 MW ground-mounted solar power project with associated systems, including the power evacuation system in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.</p>
<p>Contractors must also provide five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance services.</p>
<p>The last day to submit the bids is March 27, 2023. Bids will be opened the next day.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹5.2 million (~$62,437).</p>
<p>Selected bidders must submit a performance security between 5% to 10% of the contract value. However, if the contract value is ₹100,000 (~$1,210) or less, they need not submit the performance security.</p>
<p>In addition to the performance security, retention money equivalent to 5% of each running bill will be withheld until final acceptance to ensure the completion of the project.</p>
<p>Contactors must supply solar modules, mounting structures, string combiner boxes, power conditioning units, inverters, and all the necessary equipment required to construct a 33 kV bay at the existing 132/33 kV Panchet Hydel Station switchyard.</p>
<p>Contactors must ensure that vendors will provide a guarantee for the materials and equipment for 18 months from the date of delivery or 12 months from the date of commissioning, whichever is earlier.</p>
<p>The modules must be warranted with a linear degradation rate of power output except for the first year and guarantee a minimum of 80% of the initial rated power output at the end of 25 years from the date of successful commercial operation.</p>
<p>DVC has stated that the mono-crystalline or poly-crystalline modules used for the project must be from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</p>
<p>The declared capacity utilization factor must not be less than 22.5% per annum.</p>
<p>Earlier, DVC had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bids-10-mw-solar-projects-in-jharkhand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to install and commission 10 MW of grid-connected solar power projects at its thermal powers station in Koderma, Jharkhand.</p>
<p>Last January, DVC <a href="https://mercomindia.com/damodar-valley-corporation-tender-12-mw-solar-project/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited </a>bids from EPC contractors to set up a 12 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project with associated systems, including the power evacuation system at the Koderma Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand.</p>
<p>According to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a>, DVC has issued tenders for 72 MW of solar power projects so far.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Arjun Joshi</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Arjun-Joshi-1.png" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Arjun Joshi,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Arjun Joshi.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn">
<p><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Arjun-Joshi-1.png" width="86" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Arjun Joshi</strong> </a>is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, he worked as a technical writer for enterprise resource software companies based in India and abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Optional English from Garden City University, Bangalore. <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/arjun-joshi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Arjun Joshi.</a></p>
<p style="height: 17px">
</div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Damodar Valley Corp Invites Bids for 8 MW Solar Project in Jharkhand


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="http://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/amazon_polly_38512.mp3?version=1658466582">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Here are some noteworthy cleantech announcements of the day from around the world:</p>
<p><strong>Azure Power </strong><a href="http://investors.azurepower.com/press-releases/2022/07-20-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>announced</strong></a><strong> the commissioning of its 90 MW solar power project in Assam, the largest solar power project in the state.</strong> The power generated by the plant will be supplied to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited under a long-term 25-year power purchase agreement. The project spread across four districts – Udalguri, Boko, Nagaon, and Cachar, was commissioned in phases. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the project.</p>
<p><strong>Electricity generation in India from renewable energy sources, including large hydro, increased from 227.96 billion units (BU) in 2017-18 to 322.53 BU in 2021-22.</strong> The information was shared in a written response in the Lok Sabha by Bhagwant Khuba, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy. He said that against the target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy (excluding large hydro) installed capacity by 2022, a total of 114.07 GW has been installed in the country as of June 30, 2022. A capacity of 60.66 GW is under various stages of implementation, and a capacity of 23.14 GW is under various bidding stages.</p>
<p><strong>NHPC Limited </strong><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1843220" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>signed</strong></a><strong> a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Damodar Valley Corporation to explore the formation of a joint venture company to explore setting up hydropower and pump storage projects.</strong> The MoU aims to encourage cooperation between the two power sector organizations in jointly harnessing the hydropower and pump storage projects as energy storage solutions in line with the national objective of the energy transition, i.e., 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and net zero by 2070. The MoU envisages the development of mutually identified projects.</p>
<p><strong>NTPC and Masen (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) </strong><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1843221" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>signed</strong></a><strong> an MoU for cooperation in the renewable energy sector during the 17th CII EXIM conclave</strong> on the India-Africa growth partnership held in New Delhi. The CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership was launched in 2005 with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry. The is expected to usher in the joint development of utility-scale projects based on renewable energy in Africa. This cooperation is intended to support services for capacity building and share experience, know-how, and expertise in the areas of mutual interest, especially in research and development.</p>
<p><strong>Scatec </strong><a href="https://scatec.com/2022/07/19/scatec-is-starting-construction-of-solar-and-battery-project-in-south-africa-after-reaching-financial-close/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>announced</strong></a><strong> that it is starting construction of the three Kenhardt projects in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Program</strong> (RMIPPPP) after reaching a financial close. Once operational, the project will have a total solar capacity of 540 MW and battery storage capacity of 225MW/1,140MWh, and provide 150 MW of dispatchable power under a 20-year power purchase agreement to the Kenhardt region – in a country that is currently suffering from power shortages. The project will be built with a total capex of approximately ZAR 16.4 billion (~$959.68 million) to be financed by equity from the owners and ZAR 12.4 billion (~$725.74 million) in non-recourse project debt. The debt will be provided by a group of lenders, including The Standard Bank Group as arranger and British International Investment. Scatec will own 51% of the equity in the project, with H1 Holdings and local Black Economic Empowerment partner will own 49%. Scatec will be the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction provider. It will also provide Operation &amp; Maintenance, and Asset Management services to the power plants.</p>
<p><strong>Enagás, a Spanish energy company, </strong><a href="https://www.enagas.es/en/press-room/news-room/press-releases/2022-07-20-venta-enagas-renovable-hy24/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>completed</strong></a><strong> the sale of 30% of its subsidiary Enagás Renovable to Hy24, the joint venture formed by Ardian and FiveT Hydrogen, for €50 million (~$51.36 million).</strong> Hy24 is a clean hydrogen infrastructure investment platform. Hy24’s investment was made through its Clean H2 Infra Fund via a capital increase in Enagás Renovable. Enagás Renovable has a portfolio of more than 50 specific projects in Spain in renewable gases and decarbonization. Enagás Renovable’s advanced projects represent more than 1 GW of electrolysis, have an estimated commercial operation date until 2026, and account for around 25% of Spain’s Hydrogen Roadmap target in terms of installed capacity for 2030.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Satish Shetty</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Satish-pic-1.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Satish Shetty,</strong> Associate Editor at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Satish Shetty.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn"><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Satish-pic-1.jpg" width="102" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Satish Shetty</strong></a> is an Associate Editor with Mercom India. Prior to Mercom, Satish was a multimedia news producer at Reuters, where he gained experience in digital news media. Satish has his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Broadcast Journalism from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/satish-shetty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Satish Shetty.</a></div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Daily News Wrap-Up: Azure Commissions Assam’s Largest Solar Project


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/audio-for-wordpress-85608532526854f1cae4e9e2e3518a9fc235b00c/2022/06/amazon_polly_36932.mp3?version=1655959437">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Solar Energy Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECI</a>) has invited bids to set up 30 MW of grid-connected floating solar projects on reservoirs of the Damodar Valley Corporation&#8217;s (DVC) thermal power projects at Koderma (6 MW), Mejia (14 MW), and Raghunathpur (10 MW) thermal power stations in Jharkhand and West Bengal.</p>
<p>The successful bidder will have to take care of the operation and maintenance activities of the project for ten years.</p>
<p>The last date to submit the bids is August 1, 2022. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p>Bidders will have to submit an amount equivalent to ₹40.2 million (~$515,601) as an earnest money deposit.</p>
<p>The floating solar projects must be commissioned within 12 months of the award&#8217;s notification.</p>
<p>The solar modules and cells for the project must be supplied through &#8216;Class I local suppliers&#8217; only. A Class-I local supplier&#8217; means a supplier or a service provider whose goods, services, or works offered for procurement, have local content equal to or more than 50%.</p>
<p>The cells and modules to be used for the project should be sourced only from the models and manufacturers included in the List-I of the Approved List of Modules and Manufacturers (ALMM) order issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).</p>
<p>Bidding is allowed under two routes.</p>
<p>Under Route-I, bidders should have experience in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) execution of ground-mounted solar projects on a turnkey basis, including the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected solar power projects of cumulative capacity not less than 15 MW in the last seven financial years. The projects must have been in operation for at least six months before the last date of bid submission.</p>
<p>Bidders should have experience in EPC execution of ground-mounted solar projects on a turnkey basis of at least two grid-connected solar projects having an individual capacity of 3 MW or above in the last seven years. The projects must have been in operation for at least six  months before the last date of bid submission.</p>
<p>Under Route-II, bidders should have executed ground-mounted solar projects as a developer of cumulative capacity not less than 15 MW in the last seven years as of the last date of bid submission. The projects must have been in operation for at least six months before the last date of bid submission.</p>
<p>Bidders should have executed ground-mounted solar projects as a developer of at least two grid-connected solar projects having an individual capacity of 3 MW or above in the last seven years.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹804.3 million (~$10.32 million) in the last three financial years. Their net worth during the last financial year should be positive.</p>
<p>Bidders should have a minimum working capital of ₹502.7 million (~$6.45 million) per the last audited financial statement. They should confirm the availability of a line of credit of ₹502.7 million (~$6.45 million) to meet the working capital requirement of the project.</p>
<p>In February this year, SECI <a href="https://mercomindia.com/seci-epc-tender-floating-solar-jharkhand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a global engineering, procurement, and construction tender to install a 100 MW (AC) floating solar project at Getalsud Dam in Ranchi, Jharkhand.</p>
<p>According to Mercom&#8217;s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a>, SECI has issued tenders for 704 MW of floating solar capacity to date.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Rakesh Ranjan</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rakesh-Headshot-crop-2.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Rakesh Ranjan,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Rakesh Ranjan.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn">
<p><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rakesh-Headshot-crop-2.jpg" width="77" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Rakesh Ranjan</strong></a> is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Prior to joining Mercom, he worked in many roles as a business correspondent, assistant editor, senior content writer, and sub-editor with bcfocus.com, CIOReview/Silicon India, Verbinden Communication, and Bangalore Bias. Rakesh holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Rakesh Ranjan.</a></p>
</div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Bids Invited for 30 MW of Floating Solar Projects in Jharkhand and West Bengal

<p>Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/dvcwebsite_new1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DVC</a>) has invited bids from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors to set up a 12 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project with associated systems, including the power evacuation system at the Koderma Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand.</p>
<p>The successful bidder will also have to take care of operation and maintenance (O&amp;M) activities for five years.</p>
<p>The project&#8217;s estimated cost is ₹582.68 million (~$7.74 million).</p>
<p>The last date to submit the bids is February 28, 2022. Bids will be opened on March 1.</p>
<p>Interested bidders will have to submit an amount of ₹5.826 million (~$77,422) as an earnest money deposit.</p>
<p>To participate in the bidding process, the bidder should have designed, supplied, erected, commissioned, grid-connected solar power projects of cumulative installed capacity of 12 MW or higher, out of which one project should have been of 3 MW or higher capacity. The reference project should have been in successful operation for at least six months as of the bid submission date.</p>
<p>Alternatively, the bidder should be a developer of grid-connected solar power projects of cumulative installed capacity of 12 MW or higher capacity, out of which at least one project should have been of 3 MW or higher capacity. The reference project of 3 MW or higher capacity must have been in successful operation for at least six months before the bid submission date.</p>
<p>The reference project of 3 MW or higher capacity should be at a single location developed by the bidder or any other client.</p>
<p>The net working capital or access to credit facilities as of the bid submission date should not be less than ₹776.91 million (~$10.34 million). The net worth of the bidder as on the last day of the preceding financial year should not be less than 100% of the paid-up share capital.</p>
<p>DVC has stated that preference will be given to the &#8216;Make in India&#8217; initiative, which would promote the manufacturing and production of goods and services in India to enhance income and employment.</p>
<p>The minimum local content for a &#8216;Class-I Local Supplier&#8217; should be 50%, and the minimum local content for &#8216;Class-II Local Supplier&#8217; should be 20%.</p>
<p>If the contractor fails to successfully achieve the commissioning of the project within nine months from the issuance of the notification of award, they will have to pay a sum of ₹33,526 per day per MW for each day of delay in the un-commissioned portion of work in MW until the commissioning of the entire project, subject to a maximum of 5% of the total contract price.</p>
<p>Recently, DVC <a href="https://mercomindia.com/tender-issued-survey-solar-damodar-valley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids from consultancy firms for a detailed topographical and contour survey of 200 acres to develop solar photovoltaic projects in and around thermal power stations across the valley area.</p>
<p>Earlier, DVC had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/damodar-valley-corporation-tender-solar-projects-jharkhand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a tender for setting up 50 MW of grid-connected solar projects.</p>
<p>According to Mercom&#8217;s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a>, DVC has so far issued tenders for 50.2 MW of solar power projects.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Rakesh Ranjan</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><div class="designboxt">
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border-radius: 50%;height: 50px;margin-top: -4px;border: 1px solid #00b451" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rakesh-Headshot-crop-2.jpg" width="50" /></p>
<p><strong style="text-decoration: underline">Rakesh Ranjan,</strong> Staff reporter at Mercom India<br />
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More articles from Rakesh Ranjan.</a></p>
</div>
<div class="authorboxn">
<p><img class="alignleft" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rakesh-Headshot-crop-2.jpg" width="77" height="102" /><a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong style="color: #00b451">Rakesh Ranjan</strong></a> is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Prior to joining Mercom, he worked in many roles as a business correspondent, assistant editor, senior content writer, and sub-editor with bcfocus.com, CIOReview/Silicon India, Verbinden Communication, and Bangalore Bias. Rakesh holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rakesh-ranjan-parashar/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Rakesh Ranjan.</a></p>
</div>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Damodar Valley Corporation Floats EPC Tender for a 12 MW Solar Project

<p>State-owned hydel and thermal power generator Damodar Valley Corporation (<a href="https://www.dvc.gov.in/dvcwebsite_new1/">DVC</a>) announced that it would now focus solely on solar projects to add capacity.</p>
<p>According to a PTI report, DVC has already proposed 1,776 MW of floating solar projects in four of its dams in West Bengal and Jharkhand. These two states jointly own the corporation along with the Union government.</p>
<p>According to DVC member secretary, Prabir Kumar Mukhopadhyay, the company would execute the floating solar projects in the four dams of Maithon, Tilaya, Konar, and Panchet. It would complete these projects in three phases, and the first will be a 50 MW project, according to PTI.</p>
<p>DVC had already <a href="https://mercomindia.com/damodar-valley-corporation-tender-solar-projects-jharkhand/">floated</a> the tender for a 50 MW solar project at Panchet (Jharkhand). Mukhopadhyay told PTI that the company has zeroed in on the lowest bidder for the Panchet project, and DVC would finalize the work order in early October 2020.</p>
<p>The feasibility study of the solar projects, which are likely to utilize about 15% of their capacities, was carried out by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/">SECI</a>).</p>
<p>Mukhopadhyay said DVC has large tracts of land, and in the last two years, it retired old thermal capacities to the tune of 840 MW at Bokaro, Chandrapura, and Durgapur. Currently, DVC has around 7,000 MW of thermal power capacity.</p>
<p>Coal is losing ground rapidly in the country. Another major state-owned power generator, NTPC, recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ntpc-stop-land-acquisition-coal-projects/">announced</a> that it would now refrain from acquiring land for new thermal power projects. By 2022, it plans to set up 10 GW of renewable capacity.</p>
<p>DVC is also concerned about the remaining 1,200-MW thermal power plant at Raghunathpur in Purulia, West Bengal, as the equipment is sourced from Shanghai Electric Corporation in China.</p>
<p>According to Mukhopadhyay, DVC is concerned about the maintenance of spares, which is critical for running the plant. The PTI report added that the company has sought clarification on whether to import from China or not. The indigenization of essential spares will take at least two years.</p>
<p>The state of Jharkhand is currently in the bottom rungs of the ladder when it comes to the development of solar projects. The state is yet to see big solar tenders being awarded for development. According to Mercom India’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-project-tracker/">Solar Project Tracker</a>, the state currently has merely 19 MW of large-scale solar projects in operation.</p>
<p>Jharkhand has not been able to fulfill its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets, and there has been a considerable shortfall in <a href="https://mercomindia.com/jharkhand-new-regulations-rpo/">meeting</a> the RPO target since the financial year 2010-11 up to 2017-18.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://cms.mercomindia.com/author/rahul-nair/" class="vcard author" rel="author"><span class="fn">Rahul Nair</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Rahul is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Before entering the world of renewables, Rahul was head of the Gujarat bureau for The Quint. He has also worked for DNA Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad Mirror. Hailing from a banking and finance background, Rahul has also worked for JP Morgan Chase and State Bank of India. <a href="https://mercomindia.com/author/rahul-nair/" rel="noopener noreferrer">More articles from Rahul Nair.</a></p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

dvc

Get the most relevant India solar and clean energy news.

RECENT POSTS