In April’2008 GoMH allotted the project to JV of THDCIL and NPCIL for preparation/updation of DPR for ascertaining the viability of the project and for subsequent implementation of the project, if project is found viable. All cost towards preparation/updation of DPR to be borne by the JV.
The DPR with enhanced installed capacity of 700 MW was submitted to Secretary (CAD), GoMH in Sept’2010 with a request to execute the MoU for implementation, for the project being viable. Since 2010 till date discussions with GoMH at various levels have been held on modalities etc. for execution of Implementation Agreement including requests to Hon’ble Chief Minister & Dy Chief Minister. The main points of discussions till date are as below:
- Requests at various levels of GoMH for execution of implementation agreement as per the condition of allotment letter. (2010 till 2014)
- Discussion on Terms & Conditions of Draft Implementation Agreement. (Apr-15)
- Discussion with GoMH on their willingness to enter the JV as a partner for implementation of the Project with state share of around 26% to 30% in the JV. THDCIL consented the same with 30% equity participation of Govt. of Maharashtra in the new JV. (Apr-15)
- GoMH intimated that on the advice of the Finance Department, GoMH for the reasons of financial crisis due to current liabilities to infrastructure projects in the state in addition to farmers loan waiver and for the burden of implementation of 7th pay commission report in the state, it is not viable to give approval in present situation and thus the development of Malshej Ghat PSS has been kept in abeyance. (Oct-17)
- THDCIL offered GoMH that considering the present liabilities of GoMH, THDCIL shall infuse full equity component of the project cost through its internal resources, and GoMH need not to invest in the project. GoMH may enter into Implementation Agreement and PPA to purchase full power on cost plus basis as per CERC regulations. (Dec-17)
- GoMH, informed that considering the pumping energy cost at prevailing available rate of the grid, if the updated conversion cost from the Project is around Rs. 5 per Unit, then GoMH can initiate the process to sign the Implementation Agreement & PPA for Malshej Ghat PSS. (Apr-19 to Dec-20)
- Finally, THDCIL submitted the revised tariff for Rs. 3.89/unit without pumping power. (Dec-20)
- GoMH desired to explore various possible Commercial models considering with/without PPA with Energy Deptt. GoMH, as well as with/without equity contribution by GoMH, in project development. (Sept-21)
- THDCIL submitted various models & options to GoMH. (Sept/Oct-21)
- GoMH constituted a committee of experts to formulate the draft policy for development of PSS in the state through private sector participation. (Dec-21)
- First meeting with THDCIL was held on 15-12-2021 where in the discussions were held on various financial models proposed by THDCIL to GoMH.
- Recently, CMD THDCIL also met Senior Govt. officials of GoMH regarding implementation of the project by forming a Joint venture of THDCIL and Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation.
- GoMH has deputed a technical team to Project site on 31st March’22 and 01st April’22 to assess the project and make recommendations to the State Govt.
- THDCIL representatives along with State Govt. Team visited the Malshej Ghat Project Site on 01.04.2022. THDCIL vide its letter dated 21.04.2022 provided its viewpoints against the committee’s observations raised during the meeting held on 31.03.2022 for further necessary action at their end.
- MoP vide letter dated 22.08.2022 has requested Chief Secretary, Govt of Maharashtra for an early action regarding Implementation Agreement and PPA for Malshej Ghat PSS. Response from GoMH is awaited.