The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) is all set to purchase 500 MW of solar power at 2.78 per unit from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the next 25 years for the discom to fulfil its renewable (solar) purchase obligation (RPO).
As per the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), around 9,000 MW of solar power is required for 2021-22 to meet Tamil Nadu’s solar purchase obligation.
As on 31 January 2020, approximately 4,000 MW of solar power capacity has been commissioned in the state and another 5,000 MW of solar power is required within the next two years. Considering the on-going projects, only 250 MW capacity can be added for 2019-20.
Based on this, the discom sought the permission of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) for purchasing 500 MW of solar power from SECI.
TNERC has carefully considered submissions made by the petitioner (TANGEDCO) and the commission approves the present proposal of procurement of 500 MW solar power through SECI for 25 years at the rate of 2.711 per unit plus 0.07 per unit as trading margin, totalling 2.781 a unit.