NTPC, Avaada Emerge Winners for MSEDCL’s 500 MW Solar Project Phase VIII

The 500 MW grid-connected intrastate or interstate solar project power purchase auction for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has concluded NTPC Renewable Energy and Avaada Energy as the winners. 

200 MW were awarded to NTPC Renewable Energy at a quote of Rs. 2.82/kWh. Avaada Energy requested 500 MW at Rs. 2.83/kWh, but was only given 300 MW using the bucket filling method.

The MSEDCL had issued an RfS Document for purchase of power on long term basis through competitive bidding process (followed by reverse E-Auction) from 500 MW grid connected solar photovoltaic power projects to complete the renewable power purchase obligation (RPO) and to meet the future power requirements.

If the technical and financial requirements were met, a single bidder might submit an offer with a maximum capacity of 500 MW. With the victors, a deal will now be made for the purchase of solar energy over 25 years.

Prices in this auction are lower than those in the preceding MSEDCL sale. The winning bid price in MSEDCL’s Phase VII auction to purchase electricity from 500 MW of intrastate grid-connected solar projects was Rs. 2.90/kWh. SJVN won 200 MW at Rs 2.90/kWh, while Juniper won 75 MW at the same price. Tata Power and Sukhbir Agro each received 150 MW and 50 MW, respectively. Each one was priced at Rs. 2.91 per kWh. Using the bucket filling method, Avaada, which was quoted to cost Rs 2.91/kWh for 300 MW, was given 25 MW.

The disclosed capacity utilisation factor (CUF) shall not be less than 19% throughout the course of a year, according to MSEDCL. Until the end of ten years from the start of the commercial operation, the generator must keep up generation to achieve yearly CUF within + 10% and 15% of the declared value. The annual CUF should be at least 17% and between 10% and 20% of the declared annual CUF value.

Recently, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) invited a Request for Selection (RfS) for procurement of 1000 MW (AC) solar power from projects to be developed in Maharashtra through a competitive bidding process.