Positive response for setting up of solar power plants

Hyderabad, July 2 : There has been positive and good response for Govt. policy of encouraging solar power calling bids for setting up of 1000 MW solar power plants through competitive bidding, 331 bids were qualified from the 184 bidders for 161 locations notified in the request for submission and finally 35 Nos. bidders with a total capacity of 418 MW have accepted Solar Power Purchase price of Rs.6.49/unit.

APTRANSCO CMD Hiralal Samariya while reviewing the significance and progress of solar power projects bidding with P Ramesh, Joint MD/APTRANSCO and senior officials, has emphasized the need to expedite the process of installing solar panels to bridge the gap between supply and demand and to meet the requirements of the consumers to the maximum extent possible.

He said that total capacity of 418 MW have accepted the Solar Power Purchase price of Rs.6.49/Unit decided by Group of Ministers (GoM). Letter of Intent (LoI) are already issued for 144 MW for 21 members. For remaining bidders, issuing of LoIs is under progress and that some solar power developers who have not participated in the bidding process, have also shown keen interest to supply solar power at the Solar Power Purchase price.

The GoAP has issued a Solar Power Policy in the state vide G.O. Ms. No. 39 read with G.O. Ms No.44 for encouraging Solar power projects under Captive/3rd party sale. APTRANSCO/DISCOMs are in the process of issuing technical feasibility clearances commissioned under this Policy. Approximately, 1200 MW have been given sanctions for Grid connectivity. Further, the GoAP have issued G.O. Ms No. 46 and directed APTRANSCO to ensure setting up of 1000 MW Solar Power Plants through the process of Competitive bidding route.

It is worthwhile to note that several institutions and agencies like Rajbhavan, Hyderabad Central University (HCU), Acharya NG Ranga University and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) etc., have installed roof top solar panels to tap solar energy to meet the energy requirements. INN