Maharashtra (MSEDCL) Invites Bids For Development Of 500 MW Solar Under PM KUSUM

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for procurement of cumulative 500 MW (ac) solar power from decentralised solar projects under Component-C of PM KUSUM scheme that will be developed in Maharashtra.

MSEDCL tender says that the last date for bidding is February 13, 2023 and pre bid conference will take place on January 23, 2023.

The ceiling tariff has been kept at Rs 3.10 per unit. The bidders will need to submit Rs. 1 Lakh / MW in the form of Bank Guarantee or paid through online payment.

MSEDCL said that it will enter into Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Bidders selected for the purchase of solar power for a period of 25 years from the Commercial Operation Date of the solar power projects. Bidders can bid for one or more projects.

Scope of Work 

The Solar Power Generator shall be responsible for design, finance, procurement of land, engineering, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the Project(s) and metering of solar power plant and along with Remote Monitoring System (RMS) of solar power plant & feeder and in accordance with the provisions of the RfS & PPA to be entered into between the Solar Power Generator and MSEDCL.

As per MSEDCL, the solar power project under the scheme would be implemented primarily on barren / uncultivable land. Agricultural land is also permitted under the scheme provided that solar plants are installed in stilt fashion.

MSEDCL shall enter into Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the bidders selected for purchase of solar power for a period of 25 years from the commercial operation date of the solar power projects.

The tariff payable to selected bidder shall be fixed for 25 years as discovered through the e-bidding and e-reverse auction conducted vide this RfS. The bidders will be free to avail fiscal incentives like Accelerated Depreciation, Tax Holidays, benefits from trading of carbon credits, etc.

Developers can install crystalline silicon or thin film with or without trackers in the solar projects. MSEDCL said that only commercially established and operational technologies can be used that will minimize the technology risk and achieve the timely commissioning of the projects.

The MSEDCL tender also cautions that the solar projects that are under construction, projects which are not yet commissioned and projects already commissioned but do not have any long-term PPA with any agency, and selling power on short-term or merchant plant basis shall not be eligible.