Government to float tender for 500 MW solar park

Maharashtra, with the present solar installed capacity of 406 MW, has undertaken capacity addition of 2,500 MW by 2022 through public private partnership (PPP) and engineering procurement construction (EPC) basis. The state-run Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MahaGenco) will invite tender in July for the development of a solar park with 500 MW capacity at Dondaicha in Dhule district. The proposed solar park will be set up in an association with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), also based on PPP.

MahaGenco has already acquired 500 hectares of land and worked out a water supply scheme for the solar park. The developer will set up the project, operate it, and supply nearly 20 per cent power to the state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran) and the balance 80 per cent to buyers from the open market.

Besides, MahaGenco will float tenders in phases to add 1,000 to 1,500 MW on PPP basis for solarisation of agricultural feeder by constructing a solar project of 2 MW to 50 MW capacity across the state. The government will provide the land and make available the evacuation facility. The objective is to supply uninterrupted power generated from these solar projects to farmers on the field.

A MahaGenco officer told DNA that they will put the necessary infrastructure in place, while MahaVitaran will be engaged in the distribution of power. Further, the MahaGenco plans to add 500 MW by roping in EPC contractor.