MAHAGENCO looking to Build Solar Plants on its Barren Ash Bunds

The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) has invited expression of interest (EoI) to develop 100 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects at the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS), Maharashtra. The projects will be developed at the ash bund lagoon 1 and 2 of the thermal plants, which were previously used for dumping ash residue from the thermal plant.

This is a welcome development, as the focus is shifting to utilising otherwise unused or unusable land for solar installations, rather than productive land.

According to the EoI, the objective of the project is, “Mahagenco intends to invite Expression of Interest from the prospective bidders/developers for setting up of solar power plant at Ash bund lagoon 1 & 2 (abundant) at CSTPS.

• The barren ash bund can be utilized for installation of solar power project.
• Solar Power Generation.
• Creation of employment to the rural community.
• As the solar power project will be installed on the abundant ash bund, the other land can be utilized for other purpose.
• As the land is already owned by the company, land cost are not applicable.

Expression of Interest have been invited from all interested bidders and the project will be awarded through a competitive bidding process followed by e-reverse auction for selection of solar power developer. The scope of work for the winning developer will include the construction of solar PV project on the available land of abundant ash lagoon 1 & 2 for 100 MW capacity along with operation and maintenance and the evacuation of the power and its transmission up to nearest substation.

However, the projects would be technology agnostic within the technology approved by the MNRE i.e. crystalline silicon or thin film or CPV, with or without trackers can be installed. The bidder will also need to submit their offers along with concept note, feasibility report, financial model, share (in %) to Mahagenco.

Recently, The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issued a request for selection (RfS) for the setting up of 250 MW (50 MWx5) of grid connected solar PV power projects in Dondaicha Solar Park (Phase – I), located in Dondaicha of Dhule district. In June,