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The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) submitted a petition to the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission seeking approval to procure 900 MW of wind-solar hybrid power from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI). This initiative falls under the seventh tranche of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) hybrid power projects, which were tendered through a competitive bidding process. The petition aimed to address the growing electricity demand in Himachal Pradesh and align with the state’s renewable energy policies.
The HPSEBL, responsible for electricity distribution in the state, emphasized the necessity of this procurement. The state anticipates a mismatch between electricity demand and supply in the coming years due to increasing consumption. To mitigate this, HPSEBL plans to enter long-term agreements to secure renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote Himachal Pradesh as a green energy leader.
SECI, designated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as the Renewable Energy Implementing Agency, offered tariffs determined through transparent competitive bidding. These tariffs are set at ?3.15 per kWh for 300 MW and ?3.21 per kWh for 600 MW, with an additional trading margin of ?0.07 per kWh. SECI’s proposal was deemed the most suitable among several offers from leading renewable energy agencies, including the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited and the National Thermal Power Corporation.
This agreement is expected to supply electricity for 25 years and contribute significantly to Himachal Pradesh’s green energy goals as outlined in the HP Energy Policy 2021. The energy supplied will help the state meet its Renewable Power Purchase Obligations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable development.
The commission, after examining the petition, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in addressing rising electricity demand and minimizing environmental impacts. It approved the procurement under specific conditions, including adherence to the agreed tariffs and trading margins. It also mandated that SECI provide an escrow arrangement or an unconditional letter of credit to the power generators. If SECI fails to fulfill these conditions, the trading margin will be capped at ?0.02 per kWh.
The approval reflects a broader commitment to renewable energy adoption, aligning with central government guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding in hybrid power projects. The petition also aligns with the Ministry of Power’s guidelines on resource adequacy planning, which requires distribution licensees to maintain long-term contracts for at least 75% of their energy requirements.
This decision underscores the strategic shift towards hybrid renewable energy systems, combining solar and wind power to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply. It also marks a significant step towards transforming Himachal Pradesh into India’s first green energy state while addressing the energy demands of its growing population and industries. The procurement will play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s power infrastructure and supporting the nation’s renewable energy targets. |
