India’s National Solar Mission closes second round of bidding

The projects for Batch-II of the first phase of the National Solar Mission has been closed with various solar power developers bidding for projects in the 350MW capacity.

The news outlet points out that in Batch-I, the names of the successful bidders were immediately announced, however, it is unclear if the same protocol will be followed in this round. The bidding process is handled by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, a unit of NTPC, which was nominated by the government to oversee the first phase of the Solar Mission.

Batch-II will see project developers quote a tariff at which they plan to sell the power produced to NVVN for the next 25 years. The quotes will be arranged in descending order, so that those selling the power at the lowest rates will be given the first projects. Once the total capacity of the projects reaches 350MW, the process will be suspended. During Batch-I, tariffs were quoted as low as US$0.21 or Rs10.90 a unit.

In addition to closing Batch-II bidding, it is expected that the state of Karnataka will take the time on Friday to announce the results of its bidding process that was completed. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development company decided not to disclose the names of the successful bidders until the National Solar Mission had completed its round so as not to influence any decisions.