Odisha's power trader Gridco to buy 300 Mw from ensuing SECI auctions Noor Arora
Odisha’s bulk power buyer and trader Gridco has shown enhanced appetite for solar power. Close on the heels of its maiden auctions for 200 Mw capacities, the power trader is eyeing procurement of 300 Mw more from the ensuing auctions to be conducted by the Solar Electrification Corporation of India (SECI). To firm up its share, Gridco has entered into a power sales agreement with SECI. Power from the capacities to be auctioned, is expected to feed the state grid from the end of 2019-20 onwards. The schedule is in sync with the normative 18-month gestation period for commissioning a solar power unit. Gridco, despite its pressing Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), has been sluggish to buy green power. Until its recent solar tenders, the state controlled entity was shelling out Rs 4.5 per unit to purchase solar power. More, the profusion of coal-fired capacities in Odisha had dissuaded the bulk power buyer to build its renewable pool. But, the competitive price discovery at the auctions and the promise of cheaper power tariffs at SECI auctions has enthused Gridco.