Developers are planning to set up solar, hybrid, and wind energy projects of at least 9 GW, for which tenders will be floated over the next three weeks, sources informed the media. These contracts of setting up solar, hybrid and wind energy projects that require an investment of over $4 billion are being proposed after a long pause. They are being offered by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMSL), a joint enterprise between Madhya Pradesh UrjaVikas Nigam and SECI. This capacity had moved up because of the coronavirus outbreak. While 6.68 GW capacity is being auctioned by SECI, MSEDCL and RUMSL are tendering contracts for 1GW and 1.5GW, respectively. RUMSL is tendering 1.5 GW contracts for its solar parks at Agar, Shajapur and Neemuch, and SECI is tendering contracts of 6.68 GW. Amongst the first off the block are RUMSL and MSEDCL solar contracts for 550 MW and 500 MW respectively that are scheduled for June 14. There is also a 2,500 MW contract from SECI for round the clock (RTC) power consolidating thermal and renewable energy sources, stated the second person cited above who also requested anonymity. While India’s wind power tariffs reported an all-time low of Rs 2.4 per unit in December 2017, India’s solar tariffs recorded an all-time low of Rs 1.99 per unit in December last year. Since then, India has decided to inflict a 40% basic customs duty on solar modules and 25% on solar cells from 1 April 2022, a decision that would make imports more expensive and boost local manufacturing. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published an order imposing a list of approved solar photovoltaic (PV) models and module manufacturers for government-supported schemes, including projects from where distribution companies obtain electricity for supply to their consumers. In addition, state-run Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency has prolonged the tender submission deadline for setting up 12 GW of solar power projects till 15 June, after the union government prolonged the deadline for completion of green energy projects, due to difficulties emerging from the second wave of Covid-19. Image Source Also read: GGGI to build 250 MW solar plant on Mumbai-Nagpur highway Also read: Adani forms manufacturing company for wind turbine generators