• Tender for 300 MW of solar PV plus storage capacity in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
  • The SECI tender calls for two projects of 50 MW capacity each in Andhra Pradesh and remaining capacity divided among four projects of 50 MW capacity each in Karnataka
  • All projects will incorporate battery energy storage system of 5 MWh/2.5 MWh
  • The storage component is expected to take up the project cost marginally

The Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI) is tendering 300 MW of solar power capacity plus storage. A Bloomberg report says this capacity will come up in the Southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The announcement was published in a local newspaper on July 20, 2016.

In Andhra Pradesh, two projects of 50 MW capacity each will come up with battery energy storage system of 5 MWh/2.5 MWh attached. The same battery capacity will be applicable for the four projects of 50 MW each in Karnataka.

SECI is the implementing agency for clean energy projects in India. Recently, the government doubled its Solar Park Program target to 40,000 MW, from originally 20,000 MW. Under the second phase of the solar parks scheme, developers will have to arrange for 200 to 300 MW of storage capacity (see India Doubles Solar Park Target).

Speaking to Bloomberg, the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said that the project cost will go up marginally with the storage component. For instance, a 5 billion INR ($74.3 million) project will see the cost going up by 100 million INR ($1.49 million).

The last date for submitting bids is set at September 8, 2016 for Andhra Pradesh projects and September 9, 2016 for Karnataka.