Maharashtra Regulator Approves 5,991 MW of Solar Power Procurement

25 Sep 2024 CW Team

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has given the green light for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution (MSEDCL) to procure an additional 5,991 MW of solar power through competitive bidding. The decision aims to meet the state’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and provide daytime power to farmers across Maharashtra. The procurement is part of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0), a government initiative to solarize at least 30% of agricultural feeders by December 2025. The program is designed to help MSEDCL meet its RPO targets, reduce overall power procurement costs, and improve the quality of electricity supplied to agricultural consumers during the day. The competitive bidding process will be conducted through MSEB Solar Agro Power (MSAPL), a subsidiary of MSEB Holding Company. The procurement will be split into two categories: 5,745 MW under Open Tender & 246 MW in Cluster Tender The additional solar capacity is expected to replace the nighttime supply from conventional sources, potentially leading to significant reductions in overall power purchase costs. This transition will also help improve coal stock management by reducing reliance on thermal power plants during peak daytime hours. The procurement will assist MSEDCL in meeting its increasing RPO targets, which are set to rise from 29.91% in 2024-25 to 43.33% by 2029-30. The distributed RPO component is slated to increase from 1.50% to 4.50% during this period. The solar power procurement will allow MSEDCL to rationalize its dependence on the Koyna hydroelectric power plant, reserving its limited capacity for peak loads and emergencies. This is expected to enhance Maharashtra’s energy security. In May, the Commission approved MSEDCL’s proposal to procure 150 MW of solar power at ?3.3 (~$0.040)/kWh from projects under MSKVY 2.0.

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..