Jakson Group wins bid for O&M of NTPC Bhadla Solar Power Plant

To strengthen its legacy as an energy solution provider, Jakson Group, one of the India’s fastest-growing energy companies, won a bid for comprehensive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) for 260 MW Bhadla Solar PV Plant located at Bhadla Solar Park in BAP, Rajasthan.

Jakson Group will have the responsibility to continuously monitor the site for all kinds of preventive and corrective maintenance issues including plant performance, and regular upkeep of various plants components and equipment, warranty claims, spare parts inventory and various other onsite ground services. With the help of technologically advanced methods, the company will commence the Operation and Maintenance services from May 13, 2022.

The solar plant, spread over a total area of 525.39 acres, comprises 4 sections of 65 MW each. It was initially installed and commissioned by Jakson Group along with TATA Power Solar and Vikram Solar. The plant was commissioned on March 25, 2017, and has been under commercial operation since then.

NTPC invited online bids of O&M on December 29, 2021, for three years, and Jakson Group competed with multiple technically qualified companies and emerged as a winner. With a bunch of experienced industry professionals, Jakson currently manages over 750 MW of solar assets in India.

Solar O&M has been emerging as a serious growth opportunity in India, especially for local players that have the expertise to compete well. Larger players like Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy (Now a Reliance Group firm) have also tried to make an impact here, but with low success in India, as the largest developers, especially in the private sector, continue to  manage their plants themselves. These include the Adani Group, Renew Power and Azure etc.

But with larger portfolios and higher variable costs, the tide might yet turn for outsourcing this key job, where new approaches and possibilities are evolving fast.

PSU energy majors have usually been a key market segment for O&M specialists, as they have a far higher propensity to outsource maintainance.