Andhra Pradesh has received offers for setting up 418 MW of solar photo voltaic power generation capacity under the State’s solar policy.

Of the proposal to attract about 1000 MW, the State has received good response with proposal to develop 418 MW at Rs6.49 per unit price finalised by the Group of Ministers.

Following the bidding process, where competitive bids were offered for setting up of 1000 MW, 331 bids were qualified from the 184 bidders for 161 locations notified. In the request for submission and finally 35 bidders with a total capacity of 418 MW accepted solar power purchase price at Rs 6.49 per unit.

Hiralal Samariya, Chairman and Managing Director of AP Transco emphasised the need to expedite the process of installing solar panels to bridge the gap between supply and demand and to meet the requirements of the consumers.

Letters of Intent for 21 bidders have been issued for 144 MW. For remaining bidders, the letters are underway. In addition, some solar power developers, who have not participated in the bidding, have also shown keen interest to be part of the development.

The State Government had announced a Solar Power Policy last year for developers to set up projects under Captive/3rd party sale. AP Transco and Discoms are in the process of issuing technical feasibility clearances commissioned under this Policy.

Approximately, 1200 MW have been given sanctions for Grid connectivity. Further, the State Government issued another order and directed AP Transco to ensure setting up of 1000 MW Solar Power Plants through the process of Competitive bidding route.

Several institutions and agencies including Rajbhavan, Hyderabad Central University (HCU), Acharya NG Ranga University and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) have installed roof top solar panels to tap solar energy to meet the energy requirements.

>rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in

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