Rajasthan Government Launches Tender For 8 GW Solar

• RUVITL has launched a competitive solicitation process for 8 GW solar PV capacity  
• It requires the solar projects to be located within Rajasthan and that they utilize ALMM-specified PV modules  
• It has launched the solar tender to meet RGO of generating stations for conventional power generation with a combined 3.2 GW capacity 

The Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL) has issued a request for selection (RfS) seeking bidders for 8 GW solar PV capacity for projects located within Rajasthan, including solar parks. The total tariff for solar under this tender is INR 2.50/kWh. 

The solar PV projects will be connected to the state transmission utility (STU). A bidder can offer a single bid for a minimum of 4 GW capacity. Solar modules to be procured will need to come from models and manufacturers listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) list of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). 

RUVITL says it has launched the competitive solicitation process to comply with the central government order for renewable generation obligation (RGO). It requires generating stations coming online on stream on or after April 1, 2025 to supplement their conventional generation with a minimum supply of renewable energy to the extent of 10%.  

Hence, the 8 GW solar tender has been issued alongside its thermal power procurement of up to 3.2 GW capacity. Financial bids will be opened for both the tenders and those corresponding to the solar RfS will be opened for only those bidders who have qualified for both the technical bids, thermal and solar separately.  

RUVITL explains, "This will help RUVITL in tying up large scale capacity in one step with optimal mix and it is expected to get better rates also due to benefit of larger scale. This will also attract potential generators of coal-based power as they will be able to fulfill their RGO obligations." 

The 8 GW solar capacity will come online in phases as demand grows. Coal-based capacity will be commissioned to fulfill the increased base load. If the solar power plant is not commissioned as required under the request for selection (RfS), RUVITL will terminate the PPA for solar power plant and power sale agreement (PSA) for thermal power plant.  

The winners of the solar projects will enter a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with RUVITL. According to the terms of the agreement, since solar power is available during the daytime and is cheaper as compared to other sources of electricity, it may be utilized to meet agricultural demand. 

RUVITL launched the tender on May 2, 2024. It will admit bids till June 24, 2024. Further details are available on the state government's website.