The latest round of bidding for the solar projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) has received bids from 68 companies for 122 projects.

The US-headquartered Azure Power (200 MW), Welspun (160 MW), IL&FS (150 MW) and Essel Infra (100 MW) are among the major bidders. Bids have been received for a total of 2,170 MW, against the allocation target of 750 MW.

The bidding process for JNNSM Phase-II is being undertaken by Solar Energy Corporation of India. The Corporation had invited bids on 5 October 2013 for the mission. Developers bid for a capital grant from the government, or viability gap funding.

The bidder who asks for the least amount of funding for selling their power at a fixed tariff of Rs 5.45 per kWhr to the corporation, will be the successful bidder.

The corporation will open financial bids for the mission on 20 February, 2014.