India PV News Snippets: NHPC, MNRE, MoP, Hydrogen

• India's NHPC Limited Invites Bids From EPC Companies For 100 MW Floating Solar Power Project At Rengali Reservoir, Odisha
• MNRE has revised the list of models and manufacturers under ALMM with the addition of 3 more names
• The ministry has also released benchmark costs for both grid connected rooftop and off-grid & decentralized solar systems for 2021-22
• MoP has announced draft electricity rules for green energy for which it is seeking feedback
• Indian PM has announced its National Hydrogen Mission, but the details of such a policy are yet to be announced

EPC tender for 100 MW floating solar: Indian hydropower producer NHPC Limited has called for bids from EPC service providers to implement 100 MW floating solar PV capacity in Odisha's Angul district. It will come up atop Rengali Reservoir. For the selected EPC company, the broad scope of work will also comprise building an associated 220 kV transmission line to be connected at 400 kV grid substation along with comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) for 10 years. NHPC will accept bids in response to the tender by October 10, 2021, as per the tender documents available on the company's eprocurement website with tender ID 2021_NHPC_643706_1.

MNRE revises ALMM order: The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released an updated version of its Approved List of Models and Module Manufacturers (ALMM) Order, adding the names of Central Electronics Limited, Patanjali Renewable Energy, and Jakson Engineers Ltd., to the same on List 1. While List 1 is only for modules, list 2 will be for cells. The complete updated ALMM can be viewed on MNRE's website. MNRE has made it mandatory for solar PV cells and modules from manufacturers approved under the ALMM to be deployed for all government and government assisted projects and schemes. The enlistment is valid for 2 years (see India PV News Snippets: MNRE,Borosil,GUVNL,PGCIL).

Benchmark costs for solar systems: MNRE has separately issued benchmark costs for grid connected rooftop solar PV systems for the financial year 2021-22, as well as for off-grid and decentralized solar PV systems.

India seeking feedback on draft electricity rules: Indian Ministry of Power (MoP) has sought stakeholder feedback on its Draft Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2021. Rules under the proposed draft are applicable for any consumer who has contracted demand/sanctioned load of 100 kW or more of renewable or green energy, except for captive consumers. Rules will be applicable for purchase and consumption of green energy. All distribution licensees, open access consumers and captive power consumers will ensure adherence to uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). There is no capacity limit for behind-the-meter renewable energy sources power plant installations. Any entity may procure renewable energy through open access under an agreement. All applications for open access of green energy shall be granted within a maximum of 15 days. Last date to submit comments to the draft available on the MoP's website is September 15, 2021.

National Hydrogen Mission: Notably, the MoP draft also refers to green hydrogen, allowing all entities, including industries to meet their RPO through green hydrogen purchase. During his address to the nation on India's 75^th Independence Day on August 15, 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the National Hydrogen Mission of India, saying his government wants to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. It will enable the country to progress towards self-reliance. Details are yet to emerge.