GAIL, BHEL to jointly develop solar projects.

GAIL (India) Ltd. and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) will be working together to develop solar power projects.

Under the deal, a company statement said, GAIL shall be the project developer and BHEL shall act as an engineering, procurement, construction and project management contractor.

BHEL shall also provide operation and maintenance services during the initial period upon becoming a successful bidder.

The two will jointly pursue commercial solar power projects through participation in tariff/Viability gap funding-based competitive bidding processes, the statement added.

GAIL is expanding its presence in renewable energy. The company has India’s second largest rooftop solar PV power plant at its petrochemical complex at Pata, Uttar Pradesh.

BHEL has a portfolio of more than 700 MW and is the only company in India that has the capability to manufacture the entire range of solar equipment, said the statement.

HBL