New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has set a target to attain a total renewable energy-based electricity supply in its dominion by Dec 2026, says reports on economic times.
NDMC has finalised their prime arrangements with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to draw 200 MW of solar power over 25 years, and work is ongoing on two more projects.
As per the statement of an official, “”At present, 55 MW of energy is being procured and used by NDMC from renewable energy (solar energy) from Satluj Jal Vidhyut Nigam, a PSU. In comparison, NDMC’s maximum power demand in summer goes up to 412 MW, and the average demand is 250 MW. The average demand in winter is 125-130 MW. Though NDMC is self-sufficient, and no power is being purchased from exchange centres during summer, plans to make permanent arrangements are under way”.
Through combined solar and hydro projects, NDMC focuses on attaining a total procurement of 425 MW from renewable energy sources. To bridge the gap, a purchase and sale agreement has been penned with SECI for the procurement of 200 MW of solar power for 25 years. Moreover, two more corresponding agreements for procuring 120 MW of hybrid power and 50 MW of hydro power are open to consideration.
An NDMC official stated that, “We are expecting the signing of a power purchase agreement with NHPC for the procurement of 120 MW through hybrid power (including wind, solar, and battery energy solar systems) under the Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIA) scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). While consent has already been provided, the case is under consideration for approval by the council. Further, another proposal for procuring 50 MW of hydro power for 40 years is waiting for approval from the council.”
Officials expressed that granting power through hydro and solar energy will cut down tariffs. An official initially declared that, “The landing cost for under-consideration hydro power and solar energy will be much lower. However, the final rates will be firmed up by the regulatory authority.”
