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Winners of Mercom’s 2024 Renewable Industry Awards Announced

Policies Must Focus on Entire Value Chain of Domestic Solar Manufacturing

Rays Power Infra Raises ₹1.27 Billion Via Equity Sale


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					</table><p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cerc-rejects-pgcil-plea-to-condone-delay-in-transmission-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has decided not to condone the delay beyond the revised Scheduled Commercial Operation Date</a> (SCOD) of October 31, 2017, for the Vindhyachal-Jabalpur 400 kV 2nd double circuit transmission line project associated with the 750 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Commission has allowed the capitalization of Interest During Construction and Incidental Expenditure During Construction for the period between March 15, 2017 (originally the scheduled commercial operation date- SCOD) and October 31, 2017 (the revised SCOD).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/derc-issues-guidelines-for-p2p-buy-sell-electricity-transactions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has released guidelines for prosumers and consumers to sell and purchase electricity</a> through secure peer-to-peer transactions. The Delhi distribution companies (DISCOMs) had filed a petition to determine charges to enable these transactions. The Commission’s guidelines cater to prosumers, excluding those carrying out ground-mounted projects and consumers who choose to transact energy among themselves through an online platform of service provider(s) or distribution licensees.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-invites-bids-for-2-gwh-standalone-energy-storage-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Solar Energy Corporation of India has invited bids to set up 1,000 MW/2,000 MWh standalone battery energy storage systems</a> in India under tariff-based global competitive bidding. The last date for the submission of bids is August 5, 2024. Bids will be opened on August 8. Bidders must submit a non-refundable document fee of ₹50,000 (~$598.9) and a bid processing fee of ₹20,000 (~$239.5)/MW for the quoted capacity subject to a maximum amount of ₹2 million (~$23,958.7) + GST.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/sez-developers-allowed-to-install-solar-systems-for-captive-consumption" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ministry of Commerce has allowed developers of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and units in SEZs to install solar systems</a> for captive consumption, following demands from the Export Promotion Council for Export Oriented Units and SEZs . In a clarification, the ministry said that duty benefits under Section 26 of the SEZ Act are allowed for SEZs to install, operate, and maintain renewable energy equipment like solar panels exclusively for captive use on the condition that the power generated is not wheeled out to the domestic tariff areas. The solar equipment will be treated as capital goods.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/east-indian-railway-invites-bids-for-1-mw-rooftop-solar-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Samastipur division of the Eastern Railway has issued a request for qualification to empanel state-wise developers</a> for implementing 1 MW grid-connected rooftop solar systems. The rooftop solar systems will be installed at various locations/stations/depots at service buildings. The last date to submit bids is July 25, 2024. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/maharashtra-invites-rooftop-solar-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maharashtra Energy Development Agency has invited bids to implement 10 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power systems</a> in renewable energy service company mode on government sector buildings in the state. Bids must be submitted by July 22, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day. Maharashtra’s renewable energy policy targets installing 2,000 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects. The generated solar power will be used for captive purposes, and any surplus will be fed into the grid, according to Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission net-metering regulations.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: CERC to not Condone Delay for Transmission Line Project


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					</table><p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ireda-loan-approvals-disbursements-record-high-fy-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government-owned lender Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency approved loans amounting to </strong><strong>₹373.54 billion (~$4.48 billion) and disbursed </strong><strong>₹250.89 billion (~$3.01 billion) in loans during the financial year (FY) 2023-24.</strong></a> The approved and disbursed amounts were the highest-ever annual figures recorded by the lender. The loan approvals were up 14.63% year-over-year (YoY) from ₹325.87 billion (~$3.91 billion), and the disbursements increased by 15.94% from ₹216.39 billion (~$2.59 billion) at the end of FY 2022-23.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ioc-captive-solar-haryana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Oil Corporation has issued a tender for the engineering, procurement, and construction of a 1 MW grid-connected open access captive solar power project at its Northern Region Pipelines in Kurukshetra, Haryana.</strong></a> In addition to commissioning the project, the contract will encompass one year of complete operation and maintenance services following construction and an additional nine years of extended operation and maintenance support. The last date for bid submission is April 29, 2024, and the bid opening is scheduled for the next day.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eastern-railway-1-mw-rooftop-solar-asansol/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Asansol Division of Eastern Railway in West Bengal has invited bids from solar developers to install 1 MW grid-connected rooftop solar projects on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis.</strong></a> The last date to submit the bids is April 18, 2024. Bids open on the same day. The scope of work includes designing, building, financing, operating, and long–term maintenance and transfer of roof-mounted solar projects at selected locations of Eastern Railways.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indigrids-first-greenfield-renewable-energy-in-maharashtra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Power sector infrastructure investment trust IndiGrid has operationalized its first greenfield project, Kallam Transmission, in Beed, Maharashtra. </strong></a><strong> </strong>The project will evacuate 1 GW of power from renewable energy projects in the state’s Dharashiv area. The project consists of one substation of 2 x 500 MVA capacity with 400/220 kV voltage and ten bays with a line-in line-out circuit line of 18 kilometers. Developed on a build-own-operate-maintain basis for 35 years, the project received approval for energization in February this year.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cerc-approves-tariff-for-at-%E2%82%B92-90-and-%E2%82%B92-95-kwh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved a tariff of </strong><strong>₹2.90 (~$0.034)/kWh [100 MW] and </strong><strong>₹2.95 (~$0.035)/kWh [500 MW] plus a trading margin of </strong><strong>₹0.07 (~$0.0008)/kWh</strong></a> for SECI’s 600 MW wind power projects (Tranche-XIII). The projects will be connected to the interstate transmission system and project developers were selected through a competitive bidding process.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/china-us-wto-ira-subsidies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China has formally petitioned the World Trade Organization (WTO) for dispute consultations with the U.S. regarding certain tax credits under the country’s Inflation Reduction Act</a></strong> (IRA) to promote the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. The request was circulated to WTO members last week, and China has contended that U.S. tax credits are contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods or discrimination against goods of Chinese origin. This, it has argued, violates the provisions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-rel-tenders-solar-project-in-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC Renewable Energy has invited bids for the balance of the system package (excluding land and transmission system) of a 500 MW state transmission utility-connected solar</a></strong> power project in Bhadla, Rajasthan. The last date for submitting bids is May 1, 2024. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of the work includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of a solar photovoltaic project.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/australia-to-launch-domestic-solar-manufacturing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has unveiled a significant initiative with AUD$1 billion (~$651.2 million) investment aimed at enhancing domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing.</strong></a> The initiative, known as the Solar Sunshot program and introduced by the Australian Government, is poised to boost the country’s solar manufacturing landscape by stimulating growth and providing a clear pathway for commercialization. ARENA is set to lead the implementation of the Solar Sunshot program by collaborating closely with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/australian-scientists-printed-solar-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A team of scientists from CSIRO, the Australian National Science Agency, have reported a new record efficiency in roll-to-roll fully printed solar cells.</strong></a> In a paper published in Nature Communications journal, the team demonstrated performances for solar cells of 15.5% efficiency on a small scale and 11% for a 50 cm2 module, a record for fully printed solar cells containing perovskite. While silicon solar panels are rigid and heavy, printed solar cells are highly flexible and portable and have a wide range of applications ranging from urban construction, mining operations, emergency management, disaster relief, and space to defense and personal electronics.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: IREDA Approves Loans of ₹373.54 Billion in FY24


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					</table><p><a href="https://er.indianrailways.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eastern Railway</a> has invited bids to install a 1.125 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power project without battery backup at its Howrah Division in West Bengal.</p>
<p>The last date for the submission of bids is January 1, 2024. Bids will be opened the same day.</p>
<p>The project will be in addition to and connected with the 2.2 MW rooftop solar <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eastern-railway-bids-for-2-2-rooftop-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">project</a> recently retendered.</p>
<p>The scope extends to installing, testing, and commissioning the solar modules on the rooftops of buildings, shed tops of station platforms, coaching yards, workshops, and all associated works.</p>
<p>The scope also encompasses the following components:</p>
<ol>
<li>Mono/polycrystalline silicon solar cell connected in series (photovoltaic module)</li>
<li>Grid-connected solar string inverter featuring provision for data transfer to a remote service platform for data storage and analysis.</li>
<li>Aluminium solar module mounting structure</li>
<li>Array junction box</li>
<li>Inverter interfacing panels (AC distribution board, grid interfacing panel)</li>
<li>Fire-resistant AC and DC cables of suitable size (in sq. mm) and length</li>
</ol>
<p>All other accessories, such as a monkey ladder for maintenance access to the roof/shed, a lightning arrester, and a suitable earthing arrangement, are also included.</p>
<p>Bidders are required to provide an earnest money deposit of ₹407,200 ($4,884). The project is expected to be completed within a period of six months.</p>
<p>The estimated cost of the project is ₹51.4 million ($617,055).</p>
<p>Bidders are required to have, within the last seven years, completed any of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Three similar works, each costing no less than 30% of the advertised value of the tender.</li>
<li>Two similar works, each costing no less than 40% of the advertised value of the tender.</li>
<li>One similar work costing no less than 60% of the advertised value of the tender.</li>
</ul>
<p>Similar work here entails the design, supply, installation, connection, testing, and commissioning of rooftop/shed-top/water surface/vacant land-based on-grid/off-grid/hybrid solar systems with associated work.</p>
<p>Bidders must possess a minimum average annual contractual turnover of V/N or &#8216;V,&#8217; whichever is less. Here, V represents the advertised value of the tender in crores of rupees, and N is the number of years prescribed for the completion of the work for which bids have been invited.</p>
<p>The average annual contractual turnover is calculated as the average of the total contractual payments in the previous three financial years.</p>
<p>Eastern Railway has also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eastern-railways-solar-projects-in-west-bengal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to implement 3 MW ground-mounted solar power projects, without battery backup, at various locations within the Kanchrapara railway workshop in the officer&#8217;s colony area in West Bengal.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> for timely updates on all solar tenders issued by various agencies in India.</p>


Railways Invites Bids for 1.125 MW Rooftop Solar Project in Howrah


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					</table><p>The <a href="https://er.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&amp;backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&amp;lang=0&amp;id=0,6,442" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sealdah Division</a> of Eastern Railway has invited bids for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of 1 MW of rooftop solar systems.</p>
<p>The project must be completed within 12 months of the letter of award.</p>
<p>The minimum installed capacity of the solar system in any location will be 10 kW.</p>
<p>The last date to submit the bids is June 12, 2023.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit ₹327,400 (~$3,952) as an earnest money deposit.</p>
<p>The estimated project cost is ₹35.49 million (~$428,407).</p>
<p>Bidders must have completed at least three similar works, each costing not less than 30% of the contract value, or two similar projects, each costing not less than 40% of the contract value, or one similar work costing not less than 60% of the contract value during the last seven years.</p>
<p>Similar work refers to the design, supply, installation, connection, testing, and commissioning of rooftop/shed top/ water surface/vacant land based on-grid/off-grid/hybrid solar system with associated work.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a minimum average annual contractual turnover of V/N or V, whichever is less, where V is the advertised value of the tender, and N is the number of years prescribed for the completion of work. The average annual contractual turnover will be calculated as an average of the &#8216;total contractual  payments&#8217; in the previous three financial years</p>
<p>The successful bidder will be required to meet the minimum guaranteed generation of a 15% capacity utilization factor.</p>
<p>The firm should warrant the solar modules to be free from defects and failures for a period not less than five years from the date of commissioning.</p>
<p>The solar modules to be used for the project must be from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.</p>
<p>In March this year, the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eastern-railway-rooftop-solar-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to install 1 MW of rooftop solar projects without battery backup at stations in the Howrah- Khana and Howrah-Bardhhaman line sections in West Bengal.</p>
<p>Earlier, the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eastern-railway-bids-for-2-2-rooftop-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for the design and supply of a 2.2 MW on-grid rooftop solar project without battery backup.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom&#8217;s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>


Eastern Railway Invites Bids for 1 MW of Rooftop Solar Systems


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					</table><p><a href="https://er.indianrailways.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eastern Railway</a> has invited bids for installing 3 MW of grid rooftop solar systems under the public-private partnership (PPP) model in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on a turnkey basis with a net metering facility.</p>
<p>The scope of work includes the design, finance, operation, maintenance, and transfer of rooftop solar systems and electricity supply to railways under a long-term fixed rate.</p>
<p>The last date to submit the bids is December 12, 2022.</p>
<p>Within 30 days of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA), successful bidders must provide a bid process management fee of ₹75,000 (~$926)/MW of the awarded capacity.</p>
<p>Bidders should have experience in successfully installing a minimum aggregate of 200 KW capacity of grid-connected rooftop solar systems as a developer or engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor before the bid submission date.</p>
<p>Alternatively, bidders should have experience as a developer or an EPC contractor in successfully installing and commissioning a minimum aggregate 1,000 KW capacity of grid-connected solar systems in residential, social, industrial, commercial, government, or any other sector before the scheduled date of bid submission.</p>
<p>The average annual turnover of bidders should be at least ₹15 million (~$185,250) during the last three financial years. Also, bidders should have had a positive net worth during the previous three financial years.</p>
<p>The solar generating systems should be equipped with an automatic synchronization device, provided that the solar generating systems using inverters should not be required to have separate synchronizing devices if it is inherently built into the inverter.</p>
<p>In March this year, Railway Energy Management Company, a joint venture of the Indian Railways and RITES, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bids-14-mw-rooftop-solar-indian-railways-uttar-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to set up 14 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar project at the Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, for Indian Railways.</p>
<p>Earlier, the Ministry of Railways had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/railways-tenders-grid-connected-rooftop-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> two tenders inviting bids to set up a 1,160 kW grid-connected solar project for Konkan Railways and rooftop solar installations on seven railway stations in the Bangalore Division of South Western Railway.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> for timely updates on all solar tenders issued by various agencies in India.</p>


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