The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) has announced a 138 MW (AC) tender for solar power projects in the vicinity of power stations of Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MSPGCL) across various locations in the state. The projects are to be developed under a public-private partnership and will supply power under a power purchase agreement (PPA) of 25 years.

The scope of work for this tender includes the design, engineering, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of 138 MW capacity solar projects. Bidders have to meet a financial eligibility criterion of proving a net worth of ₹5.2 million ($73,296)/MW.

The last date of submission of bids for this tender is 6^th March 2019.

The Government of Maharashtra had announced in its Renewable Energy Policy-2015, of its goal to develop 7,500 MW of solar energy projects in the state, out of which 2,500 MW are to be developed by MAHAGENCO.

In December 2018, MAHAGENCO issued two tenders (50 MW each) to develop 100 MW of grid-connected solar projects in the western region of the state. These projects are expected to cater to the agricultural (AG) feeder load of various substations in Maharashtra.

In October 2018, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) awarded an electricity trading license to MAHAGENCO, with the grant of this license, MAHAGENCO can participate in the state’s power trading activities. The license granted to MAHAGENCO is a category A license for power trading, and with this, the body can trade up to 100 million kWh of electricity.

The trading license is expected to help MAHAGENCO sign PPAs with project developers for 1.5 GW of solar PV out of the 3 GW that is envisaged under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana and then enter into power sale agreements (PSAs) with the state distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Shaurya is a staff reporter at MercomIndia.com with experience working in the Indian solar energy industry for the past four years in various roles. Prior to joining Mercom, Shaurya worked with a renewable energy developer and a consulting company. Shaurya holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.