National Solar Mission back with a bang.

After facing delays, trade disputes and industry tiffs, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) appears to be back on track.

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines for setting up 1,500 MW of solar power plants, the largest tender issued till now. It has also roped in NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) to expedite the phase and meet the mission's targets.

NVVN would also bundle the solar power generated with cheaper conventional power and sell at an average rate.

'The selection of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects of 1,500 MW total capacity shall be carried out by NVVN through a transparent, tariff (rate)-based reverse bidding process. NVVN will purchase the power from the successful developers at their bid tariff and sell bundled power to distribution companies/utilities/other bulk consumers,' say the guidelines issued by MNRE.

NVVN is the trading arm of the nation's largest thermal power producer, NTPC. It was responsible for carrying out the very first bidding of the JNNSM, in 2010.

BS