Punjab is fully geared towards increasing share of clean, green and low-tariff renewable energy: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in collaboration with Invest Punjab, organized a Renewable Power Providers Meet in Chandigarh with the objective of promoting large-scale participation from leading renewable energy developers in PSPCL’s upcoming solar and renewable energy tenders.

The event was graced by Sh. Sanjeev Arora, Minister for Power, Industries & Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Government of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. The meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 30 prominent developers and companies representing the forefront of India’s renewable energy sector.

Senior officials from PSPCL, Invest Punjab, and the Government of Punjab attended the meet and held detailed interactions with the participants. They apprised the developers of Punjab’s progressive renewable energy policies, investment facilitation mechanisms, and PSPCL’s plans for the procurement of renewable power through transparent competitive bidding.

During the session, PSPCL presented its future bidding roadmap, outlining upcoming opportunities for private developers to invest in solar and other renewable energy projects. The initiatives are aimed at helping the State achieve its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development through clean and green power.

The meet also featured an Interactive session where developers shared their views and provided constructive suggestions to further streamline the processes and enhance ease of doing business in Punjab’s renewable energy sector.

Amongst other issues, developers raised the main issue of imposition of Ceiling tariff in the tenders and long time taken by PSPCL/PSTCL in the survey for laying of transmission lines which delays the overall commissioning of the projects. Honble Minister ensured the Developers that no ceiling tariff shall be imposed in the tenders and provision of survey of lines by Developers itself shall be made available for smooth implementation of the projects.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, Power Minister, highlighted the State Government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment and providing comprehensive support to developers for establishing renewable energy projects. He emphasized that Punjab is fully geared towards increasing the share of clean, green, and low-tariff renewable energy, while ensuring that consumers continue to receive reliable, affordable, and high-quality power.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Power) and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, PSPCL, reiterated PSPCL’s commitment to offering a transparent, efficient, and competitive platform for renewable power procurement. He also reaffirmed that PSPCL will work hand-in-hand with investors and developers to accelerate the State’s transition towards sustainable energy.

The event was also attended by Er. Harjeet Singh, Director (Generation), PSPCL,Er.Sanjeev Sood Director Technical PSTCL and Er. Inderjeet Singh, Chief Engineer (NRSE & Thermal Design), PSPCL, along with other senior officials.

The Government of Punjab and PSPCL reaffirmed their joint vision of building a robust renewable energy ecosystem, fostering investment, innovation, and employment while contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the State.