UERC Rejects Pleas Over Cancelled 200 MW Solar Awards

01 Aug 2025 CW Team

The scheme, launched by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) under the 2013 solar policy, aimed to help Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) meet its renewable purchase obligations through tariff-based competitive bidding.

The projects—classified under the Type I category—had original commissioning deadlines in 2019–2020, later extended multiple times until 31 December 2024. However, in March 2025, UERC cancelled the LoAs citing lack of progress and incomplete documentation.

In response, developers filed review petitions citing obstacles such as land acquisition challenges in hilly areas, delays in power purchase agreements and transmission clearances, and procedural concerns, including the lack of personal hearings.

They also argued their projects aligned with the Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2023, which aims to install 2,500 MW by 2027, and claimed the LoA cancellations exceeded the Commission’s jurisdiction.

UERC dismissed these arguments, noting the petitions offered no new evidence or errors in the original order. Most developers failed to submit valid lease deeds or other key documents. The Commission maintained it had sufficient grounds and authority to cancel the LoAs in the interest of regulatory oversight and policy enforcement.

The affected projects will no longer proceed under the old 200 MW scheme, and developers must reapply under the 2023 solar policy.

UERC also clarified that previously discovered tariffs under the cancelled programme are void, and any future project approvals will follow new competitive rates.

Separately, the Commission recently turned down a petition to install an additional 600 kW rooftop solar unit under net metering, which would have exceeded the 1 MW cap set by the Renewable Energy Regulations, 2023.

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has rejected review petitions filed by 12 solar developers against the cancellation of Letters of Award (LoAs) issued under the state’s 200 MW Solar Programme.The scheme, launched by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) under the 2013 solar policy, aimed to help Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) meet its renewable purchase obligations through tariff-based competitive bidding.The projects—classified under the Type I category—had original commissioning deadlines in 2019–2020, later extended multiple times until 31 December 2024. However, in March 2025, UERC cancelled the LoAs citing lack of progress and incomplete documentation.In response, developers filed review petitions citing obstacles such as land acquisition challenges in hilly areas, delays in power purchase agreements and transmission clearances, and procedural concerns, including the lack of personal hearings.They also argued their projects aligned with the Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2023, which aims to install 2,500 MW by 2027, and claimed the LoA cancellations exceeded the Commission’s jurisdiction.UERC dismissed these arguments, noting the petitions offered no new evidence or errors in the original order. Most developers failed to submit valid lease deeds or other key documents. The Commission maintained it had sufficient grounds and authority to cancel the LoAs in the interest of regulatory oversight and policy enforcement.The affected projects will no longer proceed under the old 200 MW scheme, and developers must reapply under the 2023 solar policy.UERC also clarified that previously discovered tariffs under the cancelled programme are void, and any future project approvals will follow new competitive rates.Separately, the Commission recently turned down a petition to install an additional 600 kW rooftop solar unit under net metering, which would have exceeded the 1 MW cap set by the Renewable Energy Regulations, 2023.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..