Adani, Essel, Nalco, NEEPCO may lock horns over solar tenders in Odisha.

The state government-sponsored bids for tenders of solar power projects in Odisha is likely to see stiff competition, as top-notch private developers and leading public sector undertakings (PSUs) compete in the bidding process.

The state government is set to begin the process of awarding tenders within a fortnight. These are for projects that are expected to generate 200 megawatts (Mw) of solar power.

The auction would be conducted according to the latest guidelines on solar power auctions issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), said the state government.

“Reverse bidding mechanism would be followed to select the developer. Odisha could secure a levelised tariff of Rs. 3.50 per unit. This tariff would still be competitive given Odisha's limitations in the quantum of solar radiation received and also the challenge in land acquisition,” said Hemant Sharma, secretary (energy), Odisha and chairman cum managing director at Gridco Ltd, the state-owned power trading firm.

Major players in solar power space like ACME Solar, SB Energy (a joint venture of SoftBank, Foxconn Technologies and Bharti Enterprises), Tata Power, Essel Green Energy and Adani Power have shown interest to participate in the bids.

BS