Adani's 648-MW solar project in TN kicks up storm as BJP, others seek explanation on pricing

Seeking to pick holes in a deal signed by the State Government with Adani Group over a 648-MW solar power project, the BJP and MDMK on Sunday joined hands with other opposition parties led by the DMK in seeking an explanation from the Government over the project’s pricing component. “Despite having lower bidders (for setting up solar plants), the Government has signed an agreement with the Adani Group for generating solar power at a higher cost and the public should know the details of the deal,” BJP’s Tamil Nadu President, Tamilisai Soundarajan, said at Coimbatore. [caption id=“attachment_2351450” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption]State-run Tangedco (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) and Adani Group had signed an agreement on July 4 to set up a solar park, tipped to be world’s largest, to be located at a single place. Under the deal, Adani Group will set up five solar power generation plants with a capacity of 648 MW in Ramanathapuram district at an investment of Rs 4,536 crore. Tamil Nadu will buy power at Rs 7.01 per unit from the group as stipulated by the TN Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Government had said, when the pact was inked. Seeking to corner the Government, MDMK chief Vaiko claimed that “the Adani group had agreed to sell solar power at a cost of Rs 6.04 to Madhya Pradesh, which too had sought bids for a 300-MW solar power plant.” “Why did the Jayalalithaa Government then ink a pact with Adani Group for procurement at a higher cost,” he asked and urged the Chief Minister to “give an appropriate explanation to the people on the issue”. DMK treasurer MK Stalin, said in a statement, “The Electricity Minister has not explained why Tengedco plans to buy solar power from the Adani Group for Rs 7.01 per unit while wind power was available at Rs 3.50 per unit and thermal power at Rs 4 per unit.” PMK chief Ramadoss claimed the price of solar power had been witnessing a downturn, with the going rate being Rs 5.86 per unit, expected to go further down to Rs 5. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President EVKS Elangovan too demanded a ‘white paper’ on the deal. PTI