The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) has issued a tender for developing 184 MW (AC) of grid-interactive solar power projects at various locations in the state.

The successful bidder will also have to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) for 25 years. The solar project will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis and cater to the agricultural feeder load of various substations in Maharashtra.

The last date for the submission of bids is April 16, 2019.

Recently, Mercom reported on MAHAGENCO’s 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 PPP mode and will supply power under a power purchase agreement (PPA) of 25 years.

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 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 capacity out of the 3 GW that is envisaged under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana and then enter into power sale agreements with the state distribution companies.

Nitin is a staff reporter at Mercomindia.com and writes on renewable energy and related sectors. Prior to Mercom, Nitin has worked for CNN IBN, India News, Agricultural Spectrum and Bureaucracy Today. He received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism & Communication from Manipal Institute of Communication at Manipal University and Master’s degree in International Relations from Jindal School of International Affairs. More articles from Nitin Kabeer