Karnataka sets benchmark capital cost for solar
The reference capital cost for developing solar projects in Karnataka has risen this year despite continuing falls in component prices.
Dispute resolution committee established in response to developer demands
A new three-man panel will adjudicate in disputes between project developers, national solar body SECI and energy giant NTPC. The board has been established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Government prepares new payment security mechanism for developers — four months after the last one
Solar Energy Corporation of India was given a Rs 500 crore cash pot to help developers in February, but that clearly wasn’t enough, as a second newly announced scheme underscores just how much financial distress the country’s state power companies are in.
Tariff dips further in Uttar Pradesh
Ever tumbling panel prices have brought a fresh round of low solar power tariffs after an earlier 1 GW super tender was annulled in the state. The latest reverse auction was oversubscribed by almost 50%.
NTPC to procure 1 GW of power from existing solar and wind projects
India’s largest power company is set to make a statement of intent with procurement, and has set a first round bid ceiling of Rs2.67 for the reverse bidding auction. Successful bidders will secure a one-year PPA which can be extended by six months.
Azure Power agrees Rs2.59 tariff for latest 300 MW project
The developer will supply energy to the NTPC under a 25-year PPA and can build the project anywhere in India, with construction slated to finish in early 2021.
EESL chosen to manage 5 lakh solar water pump program
The International Solar Alliance has selected India’s Super Energy Service Company to roll out its agricultural solar initiative across 13 nations. Almost a third of India’s three crore of agricultural pumps are currently powered by diesel.
MNRE timetable tries to get solar authorities into line
The government department has allocated various months for enabling organisations to hold their tendering and bidding processes, but critics have pointed out states are free to formulate their own plans.
Low tariff secured for NTPC’s 2 GW solar auction
Amidst the Indian government’s yo-yoing on the 25% safeguard duty, the National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) auction to develop 2 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar PV projects attracted a low winning tariff of Rs. 2.59 (US$0.0372) per unit.
Federal government removes state hurdle for renewable energy projects
The MNRE has removed a layer of bureaucracy by lifting the requirement of proposed projects to be registered with power bodies at sub-national level.
