Jharkhand Issues EOI for Solar Developers to Set Up Ground-Mounted Solar Plants

The Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for selecting Solar Power Developers to establish grid-connected ground-mounted solar photovoltaic power plants in the State under the Build Own and Operate (BOO) model.

This EOI invites developers to submit proposals for solar projects with a minimum capacity of 500 KW. Developers are tasked with identifying suitable land for the projects and conducting preliminary studies to determine the nearest evacuation point, such as a feeder or substation, within the existing State Transmission Utility (STU) or DISCOM network. They will be responsible for the complete design, construction, and operation of the solar power plants for a period of 25 years.

The selected developers will also need to arrange the necessary financing, including equity, to fund the projects and secure all required clearances and approvals for the duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The power generated from these projects will be purchased by the State DISCOM through a long-term PPA, with the tariff to be determined via a competitive bidding process. Interested parties must submit their EOIs by 15th January 2025, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for 6th January 2025. All submissions should be made in a sealed cover and addressed to JREDA’s office in Ranchi, ensuring that all required documentation is provided.

It may  be mentioned that the Jharkhand government has introduced the 'Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022' to accelerate the development of solar energy within the State. The policy aims to achieve a target of 4,000 MW of solar power capacity in the coming years, with 3,000 MW of this capacity to be developed through utility-scale solar projects. This ambitious target reflects the State’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and contributing to India’s clean energy goals.

To encourage developers to invest in solar projects, the policy offers a range of incentives and initiatives aimed at simplifying the project approval and execution process. These measures are designed to attract developers and streamline the establishment of solar power projects in the State. With these efforts, Jharkhand seeks to position itself as a key player in India’s renewable energy transition, further enhancing the nation’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.