A 200 MW grid connected solar PV tender in Karnataka has been withdrawn. Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) had launched the tender in July 2017 (see Karnataka Invites Bids For 200 MW). The solar project was to come up at Pavagada Ultra Mega Solar Park in the southern state.
The agency did not attribute the cancellation to any specific reason. It stated, "This tender is withdrawn due to unavoidable circumstances and fresh notification will be issued in this regard."
Through this tender, KREDL was looking for an EPC contractor for design, engineering, procurement, supply, construction & erection, testing, commissioning of the plant. The successful bidder would also have provided the associated transmission system along with comprehensive operation and maintenance of the plant for 10 years. Electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) in the state were to sign a PPA for a period of 25 years.
Once complete, Pavagada solar park is planned to have 2 GW of cumulative capacity.
India recently crossed 13 GW of cumulative PV capacity. As per Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Karnataka has contributed 1,260.58 MW in total by July 31, 2017.
As per Karnataka's Solar Policy 2014-2021, the state is aiming to add 6 GW of solar capacity by March 2021 in a phased manner through utility scale, rooftop solar and off grid projects.