Sterlite Power Bags Transmission Project to Evacuate 4.5 GW Renewable Energy

NRL Floats EoI to Supply Renewable Power for a Green Hydrogen Project

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Bihar Adds Distributed Renewable Energy to its Proposed RPO Targets

Madhya Pradesh Regulator Allows Solar Developer to Enhance DC Capacity

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Prozeal Green Energy Files Draft Papers for ₹7 Billion IPO

Lower Home Solution Segment Sales Reduce SMA Solar’s Revenue by 20%

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					</table>The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/rajasthan-waives-charges-domestic-rooftop-solar#:~:text=The%20Rajasthan%20Electricity%20Regulatory%20Commission,to%20promote%20rooftop%20solar%20installations." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ruled</a> in favor of amending the RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021, to promote rooftop solar installations. The Commission has waived the application fee, security deposit, and meter testing charges for domestic consumers opting for rooftop solar systems. Additionally, the connection agreement requirement has been removed.
India’s National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-braces-for-sizzling-summer-power-demand-to-peak-to-270-gw#:~:text=India's%20National%20Load%20Despatch%20Centre,GW%20between%20April%20and%20September." target="_blank" rel="noopener">forecast</a> that energy shortages will be more pronounced from April to October with the most significant shortages to be recorded in May. The unmet demand during the non-solar hours could exceed 15 GW between April and September. The Loss of Load Probability (LOLP) during the year will likely be 5.8%, and the Normalized Energy Not Served (NENS), 0.17% in the best-case scenario. In the median scenario (the most likely scenario), the LOLP is 12.1%, and the NENS is 0.37%, according to the NLDC report published by the Grid Controller of India.
The Madhya Pradesh government <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/madhya-pradesh-issues-implementation-guidelines-for-pumped-storage-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> guidelines for implementing pumped storage projects with incentives announced under the state’s renewable energy policy. The state’s ‘Scheme for Implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage Project in Madhya Pradesh’ will be implemented in tandem with its renewable energy policy issued in 2022. The policy will be valid for 10 years.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://mercomindia.com/central-commission-approves-tariff-for-secis-630-mw-fdre-projects#:~:text=The%20approved%20tariff%20ranges%20between,4.99%20(~%240.06)%2FkWh.&amp;text=In%20June%202023%2C%20the%20petitioner,tender%20capacity%20to%20630%20MW." target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s petition to adopt tariffs for 630 MW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy from interstate transmission system-connected projects. The approved tariff ranges between ₹4.98 (~$0.057)/kWh and ₹4.99 (~$0.06)/kWh.
The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/hperc-issues-draft-frameworl-resource-adequacy-electricity-demand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> the draft framework for resource adequacy to enable electricity capacity additions to meet the projected demand through a judicious mix of energy contracts at the least cost. The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulations, 2025 apply to the generating companies, distribution licensees, the state load dispatch center, the state transmission utilities, and other grid-connected entities and stakeholders in the state.
Bridge and Roof Company, a government of India enterprise, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bridge-and-roof-company-consultancy-tender-100-mw-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to select an agency for topographical survey, soil investigation reports, preparation of detailed progress report, and initial layouts for a 100 MW solar project for SJVN Green Energy. Bids must be submitted by March 11, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. The work must be completed in three months from the date of issuance of the letter of intent or work order, whichever is earlier.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cleanmax-osaka-gas-form-jv-to-develop-renewable-energy-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a shareholders’ agreement with Osaka Gas to invest in a joint venture (JV) between the Japanese gas company and Mumbai-based Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions. The JV — Clean Max Osaka Gas Renewable Energy — will develop 400 MW of renewable energy projects, starting with ~300 MW in Karnataka in the first phase, offering corporations reliable clean energy through long-term corporate power purchase agreements.
In 2024, electric car sales worldwide <a href="https://mercomindia.com/battery-demand-1-twh-2024-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surged</a> by 25%, reaching 17 million units, pushing annual battery demand beyond the 1 TWh mark for the first time, according to the International Energy Agency. At the same time, the cost of electric vehicle battery packs dropped below $100/kWh, making electric cars increasingly cost-competitive with traditional combustion-engine vehicles.
U.S.-based material sciences company Corning, crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturer Suniva, and solar module producer Heliene <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/corning-suniva-heliene-partner-for-made-in-america-solar-modules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">partnered</a> to establish the first fully U.S.-made solar module supply chain. The collaboration aims to provide the U.S. market with solar modules made using locally manufactured polysilicon, wafers, and solar cells. Corning holds a majority stake in the chemical processing facility Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC). It targets manufacturing wafers in Michigan and supplying HSC’s hyper-pure polysilicon. Suniva aims to produce solar cells in Georgia, and Heliene targets integrating the components to deliver the final solar modules.

Daily News Wrap-Up: Rajasthan Waives Charges for Rooftop Projects

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					</table>The <a href="https://mp.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Madhya Pradesh</a> government’s New and Renewable Energy Department has issued the Madhya Pradesh Renewable Energy Policy 2025, targeting 50% of annual power consumption from renewable energy resources by 2030.
The policy will be valid for five years and applies to all renewable energy projects of at least 500 kW. Decentralized renewable energy systems will not come under the purview of the policy.
The state government will form district-level implementation committees to operationalize the policy.
Policy Targets
<ul>
<li>Attracting investments in the renewable energy equipment manufacturing sector</li>
<li>Supplying renewable energy power to other non-renewable energy-rich states</li>
<li>Meeting 20%, 30%, and 50% of annual power consumption through renewables by financial years (FY) 2024, 2027, and 2030 respectively</li>
<li>Achieving 50% and 100% of green energy compliance by state-level government departments by 2027 and 2030, respectively.</li>
<li>Developing model renewable energy cities and green zones</li>
<li>Developing 50% and 100% of all heritage cities as green cities by 2027 and 2030 respectively</li>
<li>Developing 10 GW of renewable energy/hybrid parks by FY 2027</li>
<li>Developing 10 GW of renewable energy projects to export power outside the state by FY 2027</li>
<li>Facilitating new technology development in renewables, hybrid, and energy storage space</li>
<li>Increasing grid flexibility for additional renewable energy integration</li>
</ul>
Investment Targets
The policy targets attracting investments of ₹500 billion (~$5.7 billion) towards renewable energy generation and ₹100 billion (~$1.14 billion) for the renewable energy equipment manufacturing sector by 2027.
Incentives for Developers
<ul>
<li>Electricity duty exemption of 100% for 10 years</li>
<li>Stamp duty reimbursement of up to 50% on private land purchase</li>
<li>Provision of government land at a concessional rate with a 50% rebate on a circle rate</li>
<li>Waiver on wheeling charges up to 50% for five years</li>
</ul>
Incentives for the Production of Green Hydrogen
<ul>
<li>Basic investment promotion assistance of up to ₹2 billion (~$22.95 million) released in installments</li>
<li>Provision of 50% financial assistance on infrastructure development up to ₹50 million (~$573,805)</li>
<li>Provision of 50% financial assistance for waste management systems up ₹50 million (~$572,975) and up to ₹100 million (~$1.14 million) for setting up effluent treatment plants it will be released in two equal instalments</li>
<li>Complete reimbursement of expenses incurred for filing patents, copyrights, trademarks, and geographical indications of up to ₹1 million (~$1,1476.1)/kWh  for the first five years</li>
<li>Mega industrial units with more than ₹5 billion (~$57.38 million) investment will be eligible for a customized package from the Cabinet Committee for Investment Promotion</li>
</ul>
Incentives for Energy Storage Projects
<ul>
<li>Exemption from registration and facilitation fees of up to 20%</li>
<li>Exemption on electricity duty for 10 years</li>
<li>Up to 15% reimbursement on stamp duty on private land purchase</li>
<li>Provision of government land at a concessional rate with a 50% rebate on a circle rate</li>
</ul>
Project Registration
Developers of projects of at least 1 MW must submit a non-refundable registration and facilitation fee of ₹100 (~$1.14)/kW of renewable energy/and/or energy storage. They must also pay ₹50 (~$0.57)/kW towards facilitation charges of the nodal agency and the remaining 50% towards project registration.
Projects registered with distribution companies (DISCOMs) or government agencies handling programs need not be registered.
Developers of projects with a capacity of over 1 MW must submit a non-refundable registration and facilitation of ₹ 100,000 (~$1,147.61)/MW of renewable energy/and/or energy storage. They must also pay ₹50 (~$0.57)/kW towards facilitation charges of the nodal agency and the remaining 50% towards project registration.
Projects supplying more than 50% of renewable energy to state DISCOMs will be prioritized over other renewable energy projects.
Green hydrogen and biofuels will receive first priority, followed by projects/parks developed under Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMSL)/ or any other Madhya Pradesh entity. Third priority will be given to projects/parks with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy approval and a letter of award from a public entity/ DISCOM and power procurers.
Fourth priority will be given to projects/parks developed by the government for captive purposes.
Fifth priority will be given to projects with over 250 MW capacity, where government land allotment is essential to bringing contiguity to private land.
Projects with 100 MW- 250MW capacity will receive sixth priority. If required, up to 25% of government land will be provided for project execution.
The last priority will be given to all other projects.
Green Cities/Villages
Any city meeting at least 30% of power requirements from renewable energy will qualify as a green city/village.
Renewable energy penetration will be achieved by developing onsite projects that are centralized or decentralized within the cities&#8217; boundaries.
Projects being developed outside the city/village will be based on the net-zero carbon concept.
Key cities focused on heritage and tourism will be selected for the first phase. This phase will involve setting up pilot projects in Sanchi and Khajuraho.
Domestic and large institutional buildings with a connected load of over 6 kW will have to install rooftop solar systems mandatorily.
Renewable energy-based charging infrastructure will be developed within cities to introduce electric vehicles for public transportation.
Green Cities
Selected cities will undergo development in multiple stages.
Stage I will involve developing green substations, encouraging hawkers and street vendors to use solar lanterns, and streets to use solar-powered streetlights.
In Stage II, resident welfare associations and multistorey residential buildings will use renewable energy for common areas or households; households and commercial institutions with more than 6 kW of connected load will be encouraged to install rooftop solar systems for up to 50% of their requirements, and charging stations will procure 50% of their power from renewable sources.
No open access charges will be levied for 10 years.
Stage III will involve developing community-based solar projects and biogas generation.
Households within green cities/villages will be supplied with renewable energy. Power generation projects will be developed in a community or on barren lands.
Green Zones
Green zones will be dedicated areas where large corporations will be encouraged to operate offices, meeting 30% of their power requirements from renewable energy.
Corporations enrolled under global initiatives like RE-100 commitment, net zero emission, etc, will be eligible for green zones.
These corporations must have a minimum annual turnover of at least ₹500 million (~$5,738.05).
The government will notify the green zones within six months.
MP Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVNL)/RUMSL will seek corporate interest in setting up offices in green zones and registering on the government portal.
Corporations can set up their own renewable energy projects as cooperatives or request MPUVNL/RUMSL to select a developer.
Incentives for Green Zones
<ul>
<li>Electricity duty waiver of up to 100% for 10 years</li>
<li>Up to 50% reimbursement of stamp duty on private land purchase</li>
<li>Provision of government land at a concessional rate with a 50% rebate on the district-level committee rate</li>
<li>Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company or DISCOMs will augment the grid substation and build new substations. They will also facilitate the evacuation line for the substations</li>
</ul>
The government will convert its offices into net zero carbon offices, and battery energy storage projects will be promoted.
The government will provide 100% financial assistance to technical, research institutions and private organizations to conduct technical feasibility studies, pilot projects, and demonstration projects to develop green cities and zones.
Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.

Madhya Pradesh Targets Meeting 50% of Power Needs from Renewables by 2030

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (<a href="http://c/Users/Mercom/Downloads/bhel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BHEL</a>) has issued a notice inviting tender for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the balance of systems (BoS) for a 5 MW grid-connected solar power project at BHEL-Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The scope of work includes the supply of power conditioning unit (PCU), inverter transformer, high tension cables, SCADA, lightning arrestor, aux transformer, earthing system, module cleaning system, cable lugs, glands, fire alarm system, weather monitoring system, cable tray, earth chambers. Vendors must also install, test, and commission SMB, PCU, inverter transformers, aux transformer, HT panels, distribution board, UPS, panels, earthing, cable tray, cable laying, and terminations.
Vendors must supply the BoS components within 12 weeks from the purchase order. The components must be commissioned within four weeks from the completion of supply.
The last day to submit the bids is May 23, 2022. Bids will be opened on the same day.
Bidders must furnish a contract performance guarantee of 10% of the project cost if the contract value is above ₹2.5 million (~$33,147).
Bidders must be established engineering, procurement, and construction or electrical BoS supply, installation, and commissioning contractors. They must have completed supply, installation, and commissioning, including electrical equipment package AC and DC BoS, at solar power projects of at least 5 MW cumulative capacity, with a minimum individual project capacity of 1 MW. The work should have been executed during the last five years.
For items that are divisible, Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) vendors quoting within the price band of lowest (L1) + 15% will be allowed to supply 25% of the requirement subject to the acceptance of the L1 price. In case the L1 bidder is not an MSE, then all the MSE vendors who have quoted within the range of L1 + 15% will be given the opportunity in order of their ranking to bring down their price to match the L1 price. The contract will be awarded to the MSE vendor who matches the price quoted by the L1 bidder.
For items that are not divisible, MSE vendors quoting within a price band of L1 + 15% will be allowed to supply up to 100% of the requirement.
If the vendor fails to deliver the BoS components on time, liquidated damages will be charged at 0.5% of the undelivered portion per week or part thereof, with a ceiling of 10% of the total contract price.
Vendors must provide a 60-month guarantee for the power conditioning unit from the date of commissioning. For Inverter transformers, vendors must provide a 24-month guarantee, and for all other items, a 12-month guarantee.
BHEL had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bhel-issues-tender-for-supply-of-solar-module-mounting-structures-in-bhopal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a tender to supply 145.54 tons of module mounting structures for the same project.
Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://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.

BHEL Issues Balance of Systems Tender for a 5 MW Solar Project

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