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ACME and Ceigall Secure 600 MW Solar Plus Storage Project in RUMSL Auction

ACME Solar Holdings and Ceigall India have emerged victorious in the auction held by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) to develop a groundbreaking 600 MW grid-connected solar project, integrated with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Morena Solar Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Each company has secured 220 MW of capacity at highly competitive tariffs: ?2.76 /kWh for ACME and ?2.70 (~$0.0306)/kWh for Ceigall. These rates represent the lowest-ever tariffs for a firm and dispatchable renewable energy project (FDRE).

This project, which was tendered in September 2024, involves the development, operation, and maintenance of two 300 MW units, each equipped with a BESS capable of supplying 220 MW at any time and up to 440 MWh during peak demand periods. The peak supply will be divided into a 4-hour morning block and a 5-hour evening block.

The Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMCL) will supply nighttime charging for the storage systems, and the energy will be procured on behalf of the three distribution companies in the state. RUMSL will manage the development of the evacuation infrastructure for power off-take.

As part of the agreement, the project must maintain an annual availability of at least 95% during peak supply periods, with a required capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 35%. Payments for excess power beyond the 220 MW limit will be at a tariff of ?2.15 (~$0.024)/kWh.

The development of the RUMSL project follows RUMSL's December 2024 auction, where Waaree Group won a contract to develop a 170 MW solar power project in Madhya Pradesh.

Additionally, MPPMCL recently invited bids for a 500 MW energy storage procurement project to support interstate transmission system-connected pumped storage projects, highlighting the growing focus on energy storage solutions.