Tata Power Subsidiary Wins CERC Approval to Continue Hybrid Project Power Sales.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has allowed Tata Power subsidiary TP Saurya Ltd to continue injecting infirm power from the 100 MW solar component of its 600 MW wind-solar hybrid project and sell the electricity to third parties until the project achieves partial commissioning under its power purchase agreement (PPA).

The order resolves a dispute involving TP Saurya, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and power buyers MPSEZ Utilities Ltd (MUL) and CESC over the sale of electricity generated by the project's solar component before the hybrid project is commissioned.

The 600 MW project comprises 400 MW of solar capacity and 200 MW of wind capacity. While the 100 MW solar unit at Bikaner in Rajasthan is ready for operation, commissioning of the wind component has been delayed due to the postponement of connectivity at the Gadag-II substation.

Since the hybrid PPA does not permit declaration of commercial operation for a standalone solar component, TP Saurya had sought regulatory approval to continue injecting infirm power beyond the period allowed under the Grid Code until partial commissioning of the hybrid project.