Rajasthan Rajyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) has issued a tender to select solar project developers to build and operate 810 MW of STU-connected solar power projects in RVUNL’s ultra mega solar park in Bikaner on a build-own-operate basis. The grid-connected solar projects will be built in RVUNL’s 2 GW ultra-mega solar park, which is being built in the villages of Ramsar Chhota, Barala, and Bandrewala. RVUNL will sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the selected bidder for a period of 25 years. The chosen developer will also be in charge of the project’s operations and maintenance for the duration of the PPA. The generated power will be supplied to the state distribution companies.
The chosen developer must complete the solar project within 15 months of signing the PPA. According to the tender guidelines, bidders must submit a tender processing fee of Rs 1 million plus GST, as well as Rs 720 million as an earnest money deposit. The solar project should be designed to connect to the solar park’s pooling substation through a dedicated cable at a voltage level of 33 kV. The project developer will bear the cost of transmission from the project to the interconnection point, as well as wheeling charges and losses, and will not be reimbursed. The deadline for bids is February 22, 2023.
Recently in November 2022, Rajasthan developed the Saur Krishi Ajivika Yojna (SKAY) as part of Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) to promote the development of decentralised solar projects at load centres with a focus on agriculture consumption in rural areas. The distribution companies in the state have created a dedicated online portal where farmers can register their land to be leased out for solar projects. Project developers can also register on the portal to reach out to registered farmers.
Also, in August 2022, NHPC Renewable Energy Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Rajasthan for establishing a 10,000 MW ultra-mega renewable energy power park.
