Karnataka for a major push on solar power

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), a state-owned nodal agency for promotion of renewable energy, has floated a request for proposal (RFP) from the power-producing companies for setting up of 80 Mw grid connected solar PV and solar thermal power projects.

The project is envisaged under the Karnataka State Solar Policy 2011-12 to 2015-16. Under the policy, the state is looking to generate 200 Mw solar power in five years.

“The KREDL has been authorised by the energy department, government of Karnataka to invite bids for 80 Mw grid connected solar power projects for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13 as per the policy. We will be issuing letter of intent to the selected companies within the next three months,” N S Prasanna Kumar, managing director, KREDL, said.

While, the aggregate capacity for both Solar Ther-mal Projects and Solar PV Projects is 80 Mw, the KREDL has allocated 30 Mw for Solar Thermal Projects and 50 Mw for Solar PV projects. In case of Solar Thermal Projects, a bidder could propose projects having minimum capacity of 5 Mw and the maximum capacity of 10 Mw. In case of Solar PV projects, a bidder could propose projects hav-ing minimum capacity of 3 Mw and the maximum capacity of 10 Mw.

The power generated by the selected bidder will be purchased by the state energy supply companies through a power purchase agreement. The last date for submitting RFP documents is October 20, 2011, the KREDL said in its notification. This project is proposed to enable the Escoms to meet the requirements of renewable energy purchase obligations.

According to KREDL, the scope of the project includes designing, constructing, erecting, testing, commissioning and completing of the solar thermal project ô solar PV project and supply of contracted capacity. The operation and maintenance of the project also rests with the selected bidder as per the agreement.