In a recently concluded auction, The Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI) has allotted 970 MW of wind power generation capacity out of the 2 GW that was originally tendered for inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind projects. The winning bidders are Vena Energy and JSW Energy which have won a capacity of 160 MW and 810 MW at a tariff of Rs 2.99 per kWh and Rs 3.00 per kWh, respectively. The project was tendered under tranche IX of the ISTS-connected wind projects, with bids being invited in March 2020. The winning bidders can set up projects anywhere in India on a build-own-operate basis. SECI will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement with the two developers. SECI will further sign power sale agreements with entities interested in buying the power.
In March 2020, SECI announced two tenders for 2 GW of solar and 2 GW of wind projects. The scope of work for the 2 GW solar tender includes the acquisition of land, connectivity and long-term open access approvals by solar power developers. The second tender is for setting up 2 GW of ISTS-connected wind projects on a build-own-operate basis. The wind power generated will be sold to SECI. The tender is a retender of the earlier announced 1.2 GW wind tender with a capacity increase.