India PV News Snippets: ReNew, GSECL, AEML, MNRE

• ReNew Power has energized 110 MW solar PV facility in Rajasthan which will sell power to SECI for INR 2.49/kWh
• GSECL has launched 2 separate tenders for 112 MW solar PV capacity in Gujarat, and another for 200 MW solar in Dholera Solar Park
• AEML has launched Mumbai Green Energy Initiative under which it is offering customers flexibility to set their own targets for renewable energy
• MNRE is seeking expressions of interest from companies for innovative solar pumps under PM-KUSUM scheme

110 MW solar project energized: ReNew Power has commissioned a 110 MW solar power facility in the state of Rajasthan using monocrystalline and bifacial solar modules. The project in Jaisalmer district also deploys robotic cleaning techniques. It is contracted to sell power to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for INR 2.49 ($0.034) per kWh (see Indian Solar Tariffs Go Down Again In 750 MW Auction). According to the company, the project is part of 2.3 GW solar power capacity it will bring online in the state by 2023, all of which will be connected to the national grid. With this project online, ReNew Power's total solar capacity in Rajasthan stands at 500 MW. In a separate announcement, ReNew Power announced its commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

GSECL seeking EPC bidders: The Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) has issued a tender inviting bids from EPC companies to set up 112 MW solar PV grid connected capacity in the state of Gujarat. Plants will need to have 10 MW to 50 MW capacity and will be connected to various substations of Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO). Winners will provide design, engineering, supply & procurement, construction along with O&M services for this capacity which will be located in Morbi, Bhavnagar and Kutchchh districts. Last date to submit bids is April 27, 2021.

200 MW solar tender launched: In another EPC tender launched, GSECL has sought bidders for the construction and O&M of 4×50 MW projects at Dholera Solar Park in Gujarat. Last date to submit bids for this tender is April 20, 2021.

Green energy proposal for Mumbai: Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) has launched a Mumbai Green Energy Initiative under which it is offering customers flexibility to set their own targets for renewable energy. All AEML consumers will be able to buy renewable energy under state approved scheme by paying INR 0.66 extra. The company will provide renewable energy certificates to customers as AEML will receive 700 MW supply from hybrid solar and wind generation in Rajasthan towards end of 2022-2023. AEML said it will also add an additional 1 GW power with substantial component of green energy for which it is seeking approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). According to the company, the new initiative will help its customers with global footprint and those who have committed to source 25% or higher share of their total energy consumption from renewables.

EOI for innovative solar pumps: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched an expression of interest (EOI) for installation of innovative solar pumps under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme (see MNRE Revises Solar Target Under PM-KUSUM Scheme). It calls for Indian innovators, manufacturers and service providers to respond to the call. Through the EOI, the ministry wants to promote innovation in solar pumping sector by allowing innovators to showcase their technologies in real field conditions. Promising technologies with variable claims for improved parameters will be shortlisted, and selected innovators will be allowed to install solar pumps. According to the tender, bids will be accepted till April 22, 2021.