The Ministry of Power (MOP) is inviting public feedback on proposed amendments to the Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for procuring power from renewable energy projects. These projects include solar, wind, wind-solar hybrids, and renewable energy with energy storage systems.
Key Proposed Changes
The Request for Proposals (RfS) may now specify sub-stations within the Integrated National Transmission System (ISTS) or Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) where developers need to connect their projects.
The standard PPA period for renewable energy projects is proposed to be reduced from 20 years to 15 years. However, longer periods of 25 years can still be considered.
The minimum availability period for a generator (renewable energy project) to meet its supply obligation may be reduced from 3 consecutive years to a period specified in the RfS. This aims to account for potential disruptions beyond the generator’s control.
If a generator fails to maintain the minimum availability for the specified period, the procurers can choose to either reduce the generator’s minimum availability with compensation or treat it as a default and terminate the PPA.
Developers may be required to install and maintain Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) adhering to government agency standards.
The technical criteria for projects are proposed to include compliance with the latest cybersecurity regulations issued by central government authorities.
Bidders might have the option to use Insurance Surety Bonds instead of Bank Guarantees for establishing Earnest Money Deposit and Performance Bank Guarantees.
Public Participation
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments on the proposed amendments within 15 days from the date of issue (by November 15, 2024) to the Ministry via email nre.section- mop@gov.in.
These draft amendments have been introduced in the following guidelines:
- Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Firm and Dispatchable Power from Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Projects with Energy Storage Systems
- Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects
- Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Wind Solar Hybrid Projects and
- Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement Power from Grid Connected Wind Power Projects
