Summer nears end but solar panel project yet to take off

HYDERABAD: Tenders for the solar-roof cycling track, which authorities assured to complete by summer, are yet to be finalised as shortlisted agencies have been shying away from executing the works at the price quoted by the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL).

The HGCL is a wing of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority and is the nodal agency for the project.

The foundation stone for the project was laid last September by MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao, who, at that time, had directed officials to complete it by summer.

Officials, however, said that agencies are reluctant to undertake the works on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) for a cost of Rs 99.7 crore.

The solar panels above cycle tracks are to be set up on two stretches — Nanakramguda Junction to Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA) junction and Jayabheri/Kokapet to Edulanagulapally Junction along the ORR.

Besides commissioning 13 MW solar plants, the shortlisted agency is to take care of the operation and maintenance responsibility for a period of five years.

The solar power plant on the TSPA stretch will be a 3 MW plant (2MW captive and 1MW net metering), while the other stretch will have a 10 MW plant (9MW captive and 1MW net metering).

Sources said the project was to be executed under the renewable energy service company (Resco) model, as per which the operator will make the total initial capital expenditure for 25 years and supply power to the government at a discounted price.

They said that shortlisted agencies cited viability issues under the Resco model.

However, currently, the HGCL has invited bids for the third time, with shortlisted agencies to participate in the tender for design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing and commissioning of a 13 MW (AC) solar PV power plant on the rooftop of the cycle track at two stretches along the ORR with five years plant operation and maintenance.

Authorities said that the HMDA will bear the project cost and the shortlisted agency has to only design, supply, construct, erect, test and commission solar power plants. Officials said that the project will be completed within six months from the date of commencement.