CPSU solar tender gets dismal response

The Centre’s invitation to set up 2,000 MW of solar power plants by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSU) has attracted dismal interest from the government companies. According to sources, the Solar Energy Corporation of India has received bids from only six firms offering to build less than 1,200 MW capacity under the scheme. The CPSU scheme was meant to give “a push to Make-in-lndia by encouraging government producers to procure solar cells and modules from domestic manufacturers”.

The tender was the first tranche of the scheme which aims to set up 12,000 MW of solar capacity by government companies within FY23. The Cabinet has already sanctioned a viability gap funding support of Rs 8,580 crore towards this scheme, capped at Rs 70 lakh per MW.