Andhra Pradesh High Court quashes state’s 6.4-Gw solar project tender

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday held that the state had awarded solar power tenders in contravention of the Electricity Act, 2003, and quashed the request for selection (RfS) and power purchase agreement (PPA) for procuring 6.4 Gw of solar power projects.

Tata Power Renewable Energy had moved the HC challenging the RfS and PPA issued by the Andhra Pradesh Green Energy Corporation (APGECL) in January 2021.

Adani Green Energy (AGEL) in February won five mega solar power projects of 600 megawatt (Mw) each under the tender. State-owned NTPC won 600 Mw in the auction, quoting the lowest tariff of Rs 2.48 per kWh (unit). The lowest tariff discovered in the whole auction process was Rs 2.47 a unit by Torrent Power for a 300 Mw solar project.