THDC to Build RE Projects of 3270 MW in Karnataka

Uttarakhand-based government firm THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) has set sights on establishing 3,270 megawatts (MWs) of clean energy projects in Karnataka with emphasis on pumped storage and floating solar in the state. The THDC project in Karnataka is likely to boost the growth of renewable energy in the state also increase the presence of THDC in the southern state.

For the THDC project in Karnataka, the government utility joined hands with Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) in Bengaluru for these renewable energy projects. Under the agreement, renewable energy projects encompassing ground-mounted, floating solar projects, and hybrid projects will be developed. Pumped Storage Projects will be key to these projects. Together, these projects will stand at 3270 MW cumulatively.

Talking about THDC projects, the government utility has around 10 projects in its portfolio, including hydro, thermal, wind and solar, accounting for a capacity of 4,516 MW cumulatively.

Karnataka has emerged as favourable site of destination for investment in renewable energy projects. At Windergy 2022, the industry signed for 9,218 MW of wind capacity with a proposed investment of Rs 61,227 crore.

The commitments came mainly from ReNew Power (1,578 MW), Azure Power (1,700 MW), O2 Power (1,240 MW) and Torrent Power (750 MW).It also houses the expansive 2 GW Khavda Solar Park. The State also has a few firsts in renewable energy to its credit. For instance, in 2022, it became is one of the few Indian states to have crossed Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO).  It is among the most active participants at electricity exchange and exports a good quantum of power outside the state.

Earlier, the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) had issued a tender seeking (Project Management and Consultancy (PMC) Services to THDCIL for the development of 11 MWac floating solar PV plant at Khurja Super Thermal Power Project at Khurja, Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. THDC India Limited had then invited bids from selected bidders only on Limited tender basis through e- tendering for the subject work under single stage “Single Part Bid System”.

It had also invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for empanelment of consultants for its subsidiary ‘TREDCO Rajasthan Limited’ for acquisition of land for the development of 2000 MW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs). These were planned to be established in Rajasthan under MNRE’s Solar Park Scheme.