SECI awards 1,200 MW solar plus storage tender

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has finalized the award of its 1,200 MW solar tender integrated with a 600 MW / 3,600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The projects will be developed under 25 year power purchase agreements (PPAs) to supply dispatchable renewable power.

Four companies have emerged as successful bidders. NLC India Limited (NLC India) secured the largest allocation of 600 MW. Oriana Power Limited (Oriana Power) and RPIL Power Three Private Limited (RPIL Power Three) were each awarded 300 MW, while ENGIE (ENGIE) won 200 MW. Tariffs were discovered at Rs 3.12 per kWh for ENGIE and NLC India, and Rs 3.13 per kWh for RPIL Power Three and Oriana Power.

The tender, issued around six months ago, requires projects to be developed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis at locations across India. Developers are required to supply 3,000 kWh per MW of contracted capacity during daily peak hours. Distribution companies are obligated to offtake the committed energy under the PPAs.

SECI has included penalty provisions to enforce supply discipline. If a developer’s energy shortfall exceeds 7% of the contracted supply, penalties will be levied at 1.5 times the applicable tariff.

The award is seen as a key step for grid scale energy storage deployment in India. The solar plus six hour storage configuration is aimed at firming solar generation and ensuring reliable supply during evening peak demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuel based peaking plants. In a social media post, SECI stated that the milestone reflects growing industry confidence, the maturity of solar plus storage solutions, and SECI’s role in shaping future ready procurement frameworks.

Separately, SECI has invited bids for the Balance of System (BoS) package for a 700 MW (AC) solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Radhanesda in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The project will have an installed capacity of around 870 MWp and will be executed on a turnkey basis, excluding the supply of PV modules and transformers.

The scope of work covers design and engineering, procurement and supply of equipment and materials other than PV modules and transformers, civil works, installation, testing, and commissioning. The selected contractor will also provide operation and maintenance services for five years from the date of commissioning. PV modules will be supplied by SECI, with tender documents indicating reference specifications of 585 Wp mono PERC modules with 21.65% efficiency. Project land will be provided on an “as is, where is” basis and has been allotted by the Government of Gujarat.

The featured photograph is for representation only.