APTransco has invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) for setting up one of the largest energy shifting/storage projects in the world.
The project is aimed at harnessing storage technology to mitigate challenges faced by the transmission grid due to an increased use of renewable energy.
A pre-bid meeting held at Vijayawada was attended by domestic and international players. Leading industry bodies like the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) suggested that the bidding process be carried out in a transparent manner.
The EoI mandates ‘experience’ in storage, limiting the competition which would result in sub-optimal tariffs. The firms said all companies with project development experience in the power sector, including transmission, solar and wind energy developers, should be allowed to participate in the tender process.
The firms said given the magnitude of the project, a detailed and competitive bidding process was needed to be adopted. The EoI lacked clarity on several aspects. Pointing to the fact that selection of developers for transmission, solar and wind sectors was being done in a transparent competitive bidding mechanism, the firms said Transco should adopt the same mechanism for selection of developers for grid-tied storage facility as well.
Finding fault with the timeline, the firms said it was not feasible and said that the bidders should be given enough time for understanding technology that is developing at a fast rate amid fluctuating prices. They recommended a two month-long period.
MoU signed
The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) signed an MoU with Urja Global to take forward its plan of setting up a new plant to manufacture high technology lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles to create an electric mobility ecosystem. As part of the pact, Urja Global will invest
₹ 200 crore and create 250 direct and over 1,000 indirect skill-based sustainable jobs in the State
