Now solar power investments hang fire in Haryana
New Delhi: In what may dent India’s image as a green energy investment destination, Haryana’ electricity distribution companies (discoms) haven’t allowed solar project developers to use its power transmission and distribution networks to supply electricity to third-party and captive consumers by imposing new conditions, said three people aware of the development.
This move by Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (DHBVNL) and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (UHBVNL) to put on hold “final charging approval” comes in the backdrop of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh governments’ plan to renegotiate clean energy contracts. Once such charging approval is granted, these plants can start supplying electricity using the discoms’ and transmission companies’ power network.
The firms with investment commitments of around ₹1700 crore in these open access solar power projects are: Malaysia’s state-run oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronas’ Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Royal Dutch Shell backed Cleantech Solar Energy, Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) backed Avaada Energy Pvt Ltd, and World Bank’s private-sector development arm International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Warburg Pincus backed CleanMax Solar.
