Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco) has once again extended the deadline for its 600 MW solar power project tenders, marking the fourth such extension.
The new deadline is now set for June 10, as the company continues to grapple with a lack of interested bidders. The previous deadline of May 28 failed to attract the required submissions, continuing a trend since the tender was first issued in October 2023. The ambitious project is a key part of Mahagenco’s strategic plan to establish 8,000 MW of renewable energy capacity across Maharashtra by 2030. This initiative is aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions from coal-based thermal power plants by transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The project outlines a minimum project size of 50 MW and a maximum of 200 MW at a single location. The onus for land procurement, obtaining necessary permissions, and setting up the power evacuation system rests with the bidders. Despite the potential environmental benefits and the strategic importance of the project, Mahagenco has encountered persistent challenges in attracting bidders. An anonymous official from Mahagenco highlighted that the extensions are largely due to complications arising from land acquisition and compliance issues, which involve multiple government departments.
“The delays are not due to Mahagenco but are related to the involvement of various state government departments. The compliance requirements for land acquisition and use for solar power projects are extensive and time-consuming. Additionally, the recent Lok Sabha elections meant many government officials were occupied with election duties, further slowing the process. About eight companies have shown interest by purchasing bid documents, but they need more time to meet the compliance requirements,” the official explained. The ongoing struggle to secure bids underscores the complexities involved in large-scale renewable energy projects in India, particularly those requiring significant land acquisition and regulatory approvals. Mahagenco’s repeated extensions reflect broader challenges in the sector, including bureaucratic hurdles and the intricacies of land procurement.
This scenario is a stark reminder of the need for streamlined processes and better coordination among government departments to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. As the new deadline approaches, Mahagenco remains hopeful that the additional time will allow potential bidders to navigate the compliance landscape and submit their proposals. The successful implementation of this project is crucial not only for meeting Maharashtra’s renewable energy targets but also for setting a precedent for future projects in India’s renewable energy sector. With the June 10 deadline looming, the industry will be watching closely to see if Mahagenco’s efforts finally bear fruit.
