The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an agency-wise bidding calendar for 50 GW of renewable energy projects for the current financial year (FY 2023-24).

The Centre has approved 23 new inter-state transmission system projects worth Rs. 15,893 crore, comprising 13 projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 14,766 crore to be developed under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding and 10 projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,127 crore to be developed under Regulated Tariff Mechanism.

The MNRE has approved the allocation of Rs. 454 crore for three programs to foster the growth of renewable energy. This includes the continuation of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development programme from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26 at an estimated cost of Rs. 228 billion crore.

Expression of Interest (EOI) is invited from reputed consultants and experts to undertake an evaluation of Component-C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme. Component C includes solarization of 10 lakh existing grid-connected agricultural pumps of pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.

Expression of Interest (EOI) is invited from reputed consultants and experts to undertake an evaluation of Component-A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme. This includes installation of 10 GW of renewable energy power plants of capacity up to 2 MW on barren and fallow land.

Over twenty-two thousand active covid-19 cases have been reported in India, out of which around eight thousand cases have been cured. (Source: www.mygov.in dashboard, as of April 29th 2020).

A scheme for 100 per cent solarisation of Modhera in Gujarat is under way. Under the scheme the domestic and agricultural electricity needs of all the households of Modhera are planned to be fulfilled with solar energy, thereby setting up a pilot demonstration project for a village or town running completely on solar power.

Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) plans to set up 3 MW grid-connected solar rooftop projects under the net metering arrangement.

The uncertainties of hike in import duty, proposed safeguard and anti-dumping duty were affecting the solar activity and as a relief MNRE has issued guidelines to allow for pass through of the costs incurred if these extra duties are added due to change in law.