The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) has invited expression of interest (EOI) for 298 MW AC solar power capacity from decentralized projects in Maharashtra to be consumed for agriculture load at local level, thereby bringing down distribution losses.

Eligible facilities need to have an installed capacity of 0.5 MW to a maximum 2.0 MW. Power generated by projects under this tender will be procured by MSEDCL for 25-years, under component A of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme that targets 10 GW PV capacity in total.

The federal Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the duration of the scheme till March 31, 2026 (see India PV News Snippets).

Projects will need to be implemented primarily on barren or uncultivable land. These can also be permitted on agricultural land, provided these are installed in stilt fashion with adequate spacing between panel rows to not obstruct farming.

“Solar plants near these sub-stations may be developed, preferably by farmers, giving them an opportunity to increase their income by utilizing their barren and uncultivable land for solar or other renewable energy based power plants,” reads the tender document. 

MSEDCL will accept submissions to this tender till September 5, 2022. Further details are available on its website.   

This tender follows MSEDCL’s 1 GW AC solar tender under state level Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojna (MSKVY) scheme, launched in June 2022 (see 1 GW AC Solar Procurement Tender By MSEDCL).