JREDA Issues EoI To Build Ground Mounted On-Grid Solar Plant

The Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has decided to expand the state’s current ground-mounted solar capacity from the current capacity of 21 MW. It has now put forth a tender in this regard too. The JREDA tender sought to expand the on-grid solar projects in the state by seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from solar power developers in Jharkhand. It has invited bids until January 15, 2025.

The EoI aims to add capacity under three categories: Category A (500 kW – 2 MW), Category B (2 MW – 10 MW), and Category C (Above 10 MW). The tender specified, that the minimum solar capacity to be developed by the developer shall not be less than 500 kW. Interested developers must identify suitable land for the development of solar projects and carry out preliminary studies to determine the nearest likely evacuation point (feeder/substation) in the existing STU or DISCOM network. The project would be developed under the Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) mode. The solar power developer(s) shall be responsible for the design, construction, and operation of evacuation facilities to the identified STU and DISCOM substation/feeder and for operating the plant for 25 years (the life of the plant).”

Through the EOI, JREDA intends to explore the market for eligible and interested solar power developers and has no obligation to enter into definitive contractual agreements. This EOI does not guarantee the conversion of this EOI into any definitive contractual agreements.

JREDA EoI aligns with the Jharkhand government’s “Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022,” which aims to develop 4,000 MW of solar capacity in the coming years. Of the total capacity addition target, the state plans to develop 3,000 MW of solar power capacity through utility-scale solar projects. The policy encourages developers to establish solar power projects in the state by offering various incentives and policy initiatives to streamline the project approval and execution process.

JREDA Moving Beyond PM-KUSUM

The Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has awarded the contract for solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme to Solartive, a water and infrastructure company, the firm said today. Under the project, the company will provide farmers with solar pumps to decarbonize irrigation activities on farmlands.

This project, valued at approximately ₹48.8 crore, is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector and allied industries in the state by providing sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions. The letter of award issued by JREDA grants Solartive the rights to design, manufacture, supply, transport, install, test, and commission solar water pumping systems (SWPS) on a turnkey basis for irrigation purposes in different districts of Jharkhand under Component-B of the PM-KUSUM Scheme, Phase III.