NTPC, Ayana Power, NLC India, win SECI’s 1.2 GW hybrid projects

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) India, Ayana Renewable Power Pvt Limited, and Azure Power Global Limited were announced as winners in the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) auction for 1.2 GW interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind-solar hybrid projects Tranche-IV on a build, own, and operate (BOO) basis across India. NTPC won a capacity of 450 MW, NLC India of 150 MW, and Ayana Renewable of 450 MW, each quoting Rs 2.34 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Azure Power quoted Rs 2.35 per kWh for 300 MW but was only given 150 MW under the bucket filling method. The determined tariff of Rs 2.34 per kWh is 3% lower than the lowest bid of Rs 2.41 per kWh, discovered in the wind-solar hybrid the auction held in December last year. In April this year, SECI had floated the tender. According to the tender document, the hybrid power projects had to be planned for interconnection with the transmission network of the central transmission utility at 220-kilo volts (kV) or above. The hybrid power project should include two elements – one solar and one wind power project. The rated installed project capability of either of the two elements should be at least 33% of the contracted capacity. The wind turbine models listed in the revised list of models and manufacturers (RLMM) published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be used to assure only quality systems installation. Last December, three companies had been awarded 1.2 GW of solar-wind hybrid projects citing a tariff of Rs 2.41 per kWh – the lowest-ever for solar-wind hybrid projects. The tariff was discovered in the auction of SECI for establishing 1.2 GW of interstate transmission-connected wind-solar hybrid power projects under Tranche III of the ISTS program. SECI has issued tenders for a wind-solar hybrid with a total of 3.6 GW capacity under Tranche – I, II, and III, out of which 2.76 GW of capacity has been auctioned, according to the media. Image Source Also read: Wind energy capacity up by 76% with 239 MW installation in Q2