Daily News Wrap-Up: Reactive Power Support for Renewables Key to Prevent Blackouts
SJVN bags contract to develop 320 MW solar projects in Assam
August 30, 2023
The drive towards energy security and cleaner power sources has led to robust renewable energy capacity additions in India. Among renewables, solar and wind energy – both intermittent sources have been added at a larger scale and must ensure reactive power (grid inertia) compensation and voltage stability for grid safety. The solar and wind capacity in the total installed power capacity has risen from less than 10% at the end of 2013 to about 25.5% as of December 2022, according to Mercom India Research.
SJVN Green Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN, has won the contract to develop three solar power projects of a cumulative capacity of 320 MW from Assam Power Distribution Corporation (APDCL). The estimated cost of the projects is ₹19 billion (~$229.87 million). APDCL had floated the tenders for 50 MW, 70 MW, and 200 MW solar projects in February this year and had set a ceiling tariff of ₹4 (~$0.0484)/kWh.
Diversified group Reliance Industries said it aims to install 100 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 to contribute significantly to sustainability. Addressing the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the company, Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said over the next five years, Reliance is committed to transitioning a significant portion of its energy footprint in connectivity and digital services to green energy sources.
The Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam has floated a tender for installing and commissioning 45.8 MW grid-connected solar power projects in various subdivisions of Pali Circle under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan program for feeder-level polarization. The projects will be developed under the renewable energy service company model. The last date for the submission of bids is October 16, 2023. Bids will be opened on October 18.
Engineering and consulting firm Gensol Engineering has bagged two international engineering, procurement, and construction projects with a cumulative capacity of 14.08 MW in Dubai with the Dubai Government Workshop Warehouse and the Dubai Police. The estimated value of the contract is ₹1.016 billion (~$12.29 million). The two contracts encompass various aspects such as design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning.
France’s Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition has announced the list of successful bidders for the fifth round of auctions for commercial and industrial rooftop solar projects of capacities higher than 500 kW for a total capacity of 378 MW. The average price quoted by the 60 winners in the auction was €0.1019 (~$0.1102)/kWh. Technique Solaire secured the highest capacity of 79.13 MW, followed by special purpose vehicles of Urba Solar with 57.59 MW and Reden Solar with 36.75 MW.