The Meghalaya government is planning to set up hydro, solar, wind and biomass power projects on BOOT, BOOM, PPA models in the State.
The objective is to increase power generation in the State from new and existing incomplete hydro, solar, wind and biomass power projects.
According to official sources, bids have been invited from prospective developers who are willing to set up these power projects. The last date for submission of expression of interest (EOI) by bidders is January 11, 2021.
The selected developer will be responsible for design, engineering, installation, maintenance and operations of the hydro, solar, wind and biomass power projects.
The Power Department will assist the developer in providing land for setting up of the hydro, solar, wind and biomass power projects.
The possible evacuation arrangement can be done to the nearest 33/11 KV power sub-station.
“The projects would be technology agnostic with the technology approved by the Power Department or its designated authority. Only commercially established and operational technologies will be used to minimise technology risks and for timely commissioning of the projects,” sources said.
The power requirement in Meghalaya is met from the State’s own hydro generation and the allocated power share from central generating stations.
There are nine existing hydro power stations in the State with a total installed capacity of 356.20 MW generating about 1200 million units of energy annually.
These hydro power stations include Umtru (4X2.8 MW), Umiam Stage-I (4X9 MW), Umiam Stage-II (2X10 MW), Umiam-Umtru Stage-III (2X30 MW), Umiam-Umtru Stage-IV (2X30 MW), Sonapani Mini Hydel Project (1X1.5 MW), Myntdu-Leshka Hydel Project (3X42 MW), New Umtru (2X20 MW), Lakroh Mini Hydel Project (1X1.5 MW).
The power generation from these power stations for the last seven years was 868.60 million units in 2013-14, 842.57 million units in 2014-15, 928.39 million units in 2015-16, 829.80 million units in 2016-17, 1225.91 million units in 2017-18, 978.97 million units in 2018-19 and 1078.68 million units in 2019-20.
Meanwhile, Umtru power station at Dehal, Byrnihat which was commissioned in 1957 and which has long surpassed its service life of 35 years is presently under shutdown where condition assessment studies are being taken.
