1,750 MW solar capacity awarded in India
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The results of two solar auctions in India have been released this week, with a total of 1,750 MW allocated to nine developers.
The National Thermal Corporation of India (NTPC) has awarded Sprng Energy, Ayana Renewable Power and SB Energy the right to develop 250 MW solar photovoltaic power plants in Ananthapuramu solar park in Andhra Pradesh, a state in the south-east.
Sprng Energy and Ayana proposed tariffs of INR2.72/kWh (~US$0.0400) and INR2.73/kWh (~US$0.0402) respectively. SB Energy bid to entirely to develop the entire 750 MW being tendered, but at the slightly higher tariff, resulting in the company being awarded only 250 MW.
Several prominent Indian solar developers were unsuccessful, including Azure Power, Fortum Solar, Hero Future Energies, Mahindra Susten and ReNew Power.
In addition, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) allocated 1 GW of solar PV capacity to six bidders. Eligible projects could be located anywhere in India, providing that the project owners could connect them to the state's grid.
JLTM Energy India was awarded 20 MW capacity after proposing a tariff of INR2.71/kWh (US$0.0399). This is the lowest tariff proposed for a grid-connected solar PV project in Maharashtra. Mahoba Solar proposed the same tariff, successfully bidding for 200 MW capacity.
ReNew Solar Power and Acme Solar Holding each secured 250 MW at INR2.72/kWh. Tata Power Renewable Energy and Azure Power proposed the same tariff, and won 150 MW and 130 MW, respectively, though Azure bid to develop 150 MW.
This tender was surprisingly competitive - bids were submitted for a total 1,450 MW capacity. This is particularly positive as the tender was originally issued in December 2017, but cancelled and relaunched earlier this year due to a lukewarm response by developers.
