BSES discoms ink pact with SECI to procure 510 MW of solar, hybrid power for Delhi

• Of the total quantum of 510 MW, 300 MW is solar power and 210 MW is hybrid power, said BSES
• The solar and hybrid power is expected to be available to Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES discoms, 18 months after signing of the agreement

New Delhi: Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES Delhi distribution companies (discoms) have signed power sale agreements with state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to procure 510 MW of solar and bundled hybrid power. In an official statement, BSES said, "Reliance Infrastructure led BSES discoms are committed to a green and sustainable future. As part of this resolve, the discoms continue to looks towards the sun and the wind for 'Powering Delhi and Empowering consumers'. Championing the cause of renewable energy, Reliance Infrastructure led BSES discoms have inked Power Sale Agreements (PSA) with SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) to procure 510 MW of solar and bundled hybrid power."

It added that of the total quantum of 510 MW, 300 MW is solar power and 210 MW is hybrid power.

BSES discoms to get solar power at Rs 2.44/unit, hybrid at Rs 2.48/unit

Inked for a period of 25 years, the solar and hybrid power is expected to be available to Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES discoms, 18 months after signing of the agreement at a very competitive tariff of Rs 2.44 per unit for solar and Rs 2.48 per unit for hybrid (including SECI's trading margin), determined through an e auction, said the statement.

Announcing the agreement, a Reliance Infrastructure led BSES Spokesperson said, "At Reliance Infrastructure led BSES, we value the importance of sustainable growth and the role of renewable energy in it. We have been procuring renewable energy from all available renewable sources at economical rates, ensuring minimal burden on the consumers. These agreements are yet another proof of our efforts in this direction.

"It will provide further impetus to our efforts to provide green and clean power to Delhi consumers," added the spokesperson.

Solar, hybrid power will be helpful in meeting Delhi's peak power demand patterns

The mix of wind and solar power in BSES discoms' power portfolio will be helpful in effectively meeting Delhi's peak power demand. It is pertinent to note that Delhi experiences peak power demand twice in a 24-hour period. While solar power will help the discom meet the day peak, the wind-power sourced from the coastal areas is expected to support the night peak demand. Moreover, the supply of bundled solar and wind power will lessen the variations in scheduling power in comparison to a contract for pure wind power. It will also help BSES discoms in fulfilling their renewable purchase obligations (RPO).

Background

Reliance Infrastructure led BSES discoms have become the first discom in Delhi and among only a handful in the country to procure hybrid power, said the statement. Hybrid power is a bundled mix of solar and wind power, wherein one component is at least 33 percent of the contracted capacity. Moreover, in hybrid power, both the sources of power are co-located at the same location and the pooled power is injected into the electricity system at the same point. One of the biggest advantages of hybrid power is optimum cost utilisation of the power evacuation network and loading of the transmission lines as solar power is primarily a day phenomenon and wind, round-the-clock.

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