CCI dismisses complaint over SECI solar tender

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has closed proceedings against Adani Green Energy, Azure Power, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) over alleged anti-competitive practices linked to the 7 GW solar manufacturing-linked tender. In an order dated April 16, 2026, the Commission said it found no prima facie evidence of any contravention under the Competition Act, 2002.

The complaint had alleged that the Request for Selection (RfS) documents issued by SECI in 2019 were structured to benefit large bidders, particularly Adani Enterprises and its subsidiaries, while limiting opportunities for smaller participants. It was also alleged that Azure Power India Private Ltd. acted as a proxy bidder with the intention of later transferring awarded capacity to the Adani Group. The CCI said these claims were not supported by evidence.

In its 19-page order, the Commission said the tender structure, which linked solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) with domestic manufacturing commitments, aligned with government policy goals to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

On claims of market dominance, the Commission noted that India’s power generation market includes multiple segments such as coal, solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear, with strong participation from public and private sector companies including NTPC, Tata Power, and JSW Energy. It said Adani Group did not appear to hold a dominant position in the broader power generation market.

The CCI also examined objections to the tender design. It said a procurer such as SECI has the authority to define technical specifications and eligibility conditions based on procurement needs. It added that the “Green Shoe Option,” which enabled additional capacity allocation, had been directed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and did not breach tariff-based competitive bidding norms.

SECI told the Commission that it functioned as an intermediary procurer and that tariff discovery, including the e-reverse auction, was carried out transparently under the Electricity Act, 2003. It also said Azure Power later surrendered capacity because of commercial constraints, and that subsequent reallocations were completed through legal processes in consultation with distribution companies (DISCOMs) to help meet Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).

The order also addressed references made to a United States Department of Justice indictment involving alleged bribery and fraud against certain executives. The Commission said such allegations fall outside the scope of the Competition Act, 2002, and are separate legal issues.

The case was closed under Section 26(2) of the Act. The original 2019 tender sought development of 7 GW of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants linked with 2 GW per annum of solar manufacturing capacity covering ingots, wafers, cells, and modules. Following the reverse auction, Letters of Award were issued to Adani Green Energy and Azure Power at a tariff of Rs 2.92/kWh.

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