The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has granted a transmission license to Solapur Transmission (STL) to establish an inter-state transmission system. This system will facilitate the evacuation of 1,500 MW of power from renewable energy projects located in the Solapur Solar Energy Zone (SEZ) in Maharashtra.
The project, which will be developed on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis, marks a significant milestone in India's renewable energy sector. Solapur Transmission emerged as the successful bidder through a tariff-based competitive bidding process conducted by PFC Consulting, the bid process coordinator. The Letter of Intent (LoI) was issued to STL on March 30, 2023, and the company acquired a special purpose vehicle to execute the project on May 12, 2023.
Project Details
The proposed transmission system includes:
Establishing a 3?500 MVA, 400/220 kV pooling station at Solapur. A 400 kV D/C Solapur Pooling Station-Solapur line. Four 220 kV line bays at Solapur Pooling Station. Commission?s Analysis
In reviewing STL?s application, the CERC ensured compliance with the transmission license regulations. STL provided detailed information on its shareholding pattern and submitted affidavits to prove it had not been disqualified under Section 16 of the Electricity Act. The Commission found STL?s credentials satisfactory for developing the transmission system.
STL has been directed to execute the transmission service agreement with the Central Transmission Utility within one month of the order. It must also secure the transmission charges and approvals and approach the Commission to determine tariffs per Section 62 of the Electricity Act.
This decision follows a recent CERC directive granting a transmission license to Pachora Power Transmission for establishing a similar system for evacuating power from renewable energy projects in Rajgarh SEZ in Madhya Pradesh.
The development is expected to bolster the renewable energy infrastructure in Maharashtra and contribute significantly to India's renewable energy goals.
