Ultra Mega Solar Power Project

India’s NTPC Plans Additional 5 GW Solar Power Auction

written by saurabh

India’s largest power generation company is planning to significantly boost its solar power footprint.

According to media reports, NTPC Limited plans to auction an additional 5 GW solar power capacity over the next three years. The company has been the leading entity in auctioning and allocation of solar power projects ever since the Indian government increased solar power target from 22 GW to 100 GW by March 2022.

NTPC has auctioned projects to developers to set up its own capacity as well as on behalf of the central and state governments.

The company plans to boost its power generation portfolio by revisiting its renewable energy business plan. As per the initial plan the company pledged to add 1 GW of wind projects and 10 GW of solar projects to its current renewable energy portfolio.

The company recently revealed plans to of a new long-term policy that will see a significantly increased share of renewable energy in the generation mix. The new plan will be in line with the country’s aim of generating 175 GW renewable energy by 2022. The company envisaged 128 GW of power generation by 2032 out of which 28% is expected to come from renewable energy. The company’s current power generation capacity stands at 47 GW of which renewable energy constitutes 11%.

NTPC currently has 24 GW of projects under various stages of development. Recently, NTPC has invited bids for 625 MW of solar PV at the Ananthapuramu Ultra Mega Solar Park in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The solar power park will eventually have an installed base of 1.5 GW and 200 MW is already operational.

NTPC Limited has been chosen to set up a number of solar power parks. The company has a pipeline of 3.5 GW of solar power capacity. It will set up UMPPs in Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

July 17, 2016 0 comment

Bids Invited For 750 MW Solar Power In Indian State Of Madhya Pradesh

written by saurabh

In what is probably the first tender floated for an ultra mega solar power project in India, central and state agencies in India have invited bids to set up 750 MW of solar power capacity in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

The 750 MW solar power park will be one of the biggest in India once fully operational. The project is among the first ultra mega solar power projects approved by the central government under its revised solar power target of 100 GW by March 2022.

The solar power park shall be developed in 3 phases of 250 MW capacity each spread over a total of 1,500 hectares. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation shall sign a power purchase agreement, likely for 150 MW, while the remainder capacity shall be procured by the state utility. Power generation from the first phase is expected to start from June 2017 while the entire capacity is expected to be fully operational by December 2017.

Earlier this year, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed an agreement with the government of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India to provide assistance in the implementation of the solar power park. The IFC will extend its global expertise to structure and implement the transaction to help attract private investments of about $750 million. IFC’s work on this project will be supported by its partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Trade.

The government of Madhya Pradesh has already approved the project following which the process of land acquisition was initiated. The project is expected to required a total investment of around $500-600 million as per the current capital cost requirements.

March 23, 2016 0 comment