Four qualify for twin Bikaner ISTS-TBCB schemes in Rajasthan

Four companies—Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Sterlite Power, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), and Tata Power—have qualified to submit initial price bids for two independent transmission schemes aimed at evacuating renewable energy (RE) from Rajasthan’s Bikaner Complex. These bids are part of the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process coordinated by REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL).

The two schemes, under the overarching Rajasthan REZ Phase-IV project, are being bid out separately and involve significant transmission infrastructure development:

Part A: Development of the Bikaner IV Pooling Station (765/400kV, 6×1500 MVA)

Part B: Establishment of a new substation at Siwani in Bhiwani district, Haryana (765/400kV, 6×1500 MVA)

Both schemes will be executed under the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) “Bikaner A Power Transmission Ltd” and “Bikaner B Power Transmission Ltd,” respectively. Estimated at Rs 11.33 billion, the projects will have a 24-month gestation period and are expected to be commissioned concurrently.

The bidding process, which includes an e-reverse auction, is expected to conclude by the end of October 2024, with the transfer of SPVs to successful bidders scheduled for October 28, 2024.

These projects will help connect RE generators in the Bikaner Complex to substations in Haryana, further strengthening the regional transmission network.