MNRE approves 12 GW solar scheme for public sector undertakings

Up to Rs7 lakh of funding assistance per megawatt will be available to developers who deploy PV capacity for consumption by public entities. The energy produced will be supplied with a Rs3.50/kWh ceiling tariff and projects will be subject to strict domestic content requirements.

July 4, 2019 Preeti Verma Lal

Public bodies in India are set to drive another 12 GW of PV capacity by 2022.

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The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has given the go-ahead for the second phase of the Central Public Sector Undertakings Scheme which aims to drive 12 GW of solar capacity to generate power for public entities.

The ministry yesterday outlined a target of adding 4 GW of new capacity annually up to 2022. Under the terms of the program, solar project developers would qualify for a maximum Rs7 lakh of viability gap funding per megawatt of capacity planned, to make projects commercially viable.

All solar cells and modules used in projects developed under the program would have to be manufactured in India and the power generated would be supplied either directly to the public entities or via power distribution companies for a maximum Rs3.50/kWh.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India, which is coordinating the program, has already issued a bid for 2 GW of solar under the first tranche of the scheme, with a deadline for bid submission on July 15.

The ministry, in a letter published yesterday, charged power distribution companies to offer “open access” to public bodies wishing to become solar energy generators, whether they intend to consume the power they generate or sell it to fellow public institutions.

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