Expansion of the Charanka solar power park is set to begin as fresh capacity has been auctioned by the central government.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India recently auctioned and allocated 200 MW solar PV power capacity that will form part of the Charanka solar power project in Gujarat. The auction was held under the National Solar Mission phase II batch IV that provides projects developers with capital cost support at fixed tariff.
Two projects of 40 MW capacity each were secured by government-owned Gujarat Industries Power Limited. The company sought capital cost support of Rs 67.99 lakhs/MW (US$101,810/MW) and Rs 69.75/lakhs per MW (US$104,446). The total capacity cost for the project is expected to be around Rs 5.30 crore/MW (US$793,640/MW).
Another 40 MW project was secured by renewable energy IPP Orange Renewables which quoted a bid of Rs 70.25 lakhs/MW (US$105,344/MW).
Two 40 MW projects have reportedly been allocated to Mahindra Renewables, part of the Mahindra & Mahindra industrial conglomerate. One of the projects is to be developed using Indian-made solar PV modules only. Interestingly, the company placed the same bids for both the projects – Rs 77.77 lakhs/MW (US$116,455/MW).
All the projects will sign power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India for a period of 25 years at a fixed tariff of Rs 4.43/kWh.
The projects will expand the Charanka solar power project in Gujarat which has an installed capacity of 345 MW. The park currently includes projects that were allocated under the Gujarat Solar Power Policy 2009. The projects allocated by SECI will be the first to be commissioned under a central government policy at the park.
