The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is seeking proposals for 1.26 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS) connected renewable energy projects for firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) power supply on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, under tranche IV. Energy storage systems (ESS) are mandatory for such projects.
Of the 1.26 GW, power from 1.25 GW is scheduled to be sold by SECI to Delhi utilities—BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL). Electricity generated by the remaining 10 MW will be procured by Gujarat-based M/s GIFT Power Company Limited (GIFT PCL).
SECI, as the intermediary nodal agency for procurement and sale of such power to these buying entities, will enter into 25-year power purchase agreements (PPA) with the winners.
Projects can be set up anywhere in India, along with dedicated transmission network up to the interconnection/delivery point. Broad scope of work also involves identifying land and securing all requisite approvals.
The ESS technology can be owned by the project developers or tied-up separately with a 3rd party, and the winners will have the option to change this technology anytime during the term of the PPA. It can either be located at the same location as the renewable energy generation component, or located separately at different locations.
It is the ESS that makes firm and dispatchable supply of power to discoms on demand-following basis through 100% supply of renewable energy.
A bidder can submit a single bid for a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of 630 MW, in the multiples of 10 MW.
The tender has been issued under the Ministry of Power's Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Firm and Dispatchable Power from Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Projects with Energy Storage Systems.
SECI launched the request for selection (RfS) tender for tranche IV on September 15, 2023. It will accept applications till November 14, 2023.
In August 2023, SECI issued notice inviting tender (NIT) for 1.25 GW FDRE under tranche IV, along with launching an RfS round for 800 MW FDRE capacity under tranche III (see SECI Launches Call For 2.05 GW Renewable Energy).