The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a request for proposals to develop 1,500 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar projects, tranche XIV. The projects will be set up in India.
According to the tender guidelines, the scope of work under the project includes identifying appropriate land, installing and owning the project, and obtaining the necessary approvals and connectivity for interconnection with the ISTS network or state transmission utility or intra-state transmission system (InSTS) network, as applicable, to provide power to SECI. The bidders are required to submit Rs 928,000 as an earnest money deposit. The developer is required to establish solar projects linked to the ISTS, covering the transmission network that extends to the interconnection or delivery point. The developer has the option to position the project within the same state as the purchasing entity for STU interconnection.
A bidder, encompassing its parent, affiliate, ultimate parent, or any group company, must submit a single bid, proposing a contracted capacity within the specified formats, with a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of 750 MW. The proposals for projects must be submitted in multiples of 10 MW. The bidders have the liberty to select the project locations. The project layout should enable connectivity with the ISTS or InSTS in accordance with the regulations set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. If the purchasing entity is located within the same state as the project, the project developer has the choice to inter-connect the project to the STU or InSTS substation, following the minimum voltage level specified by the relevant state regulations. The declared or modified annual capacity utilisation factor should not go below 17 per cent. Furthermore, SECI has mandated the use of indigenously manufactured solar modules listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.
Recently, in January 2024, results were announced for SECI’s auction to develop 2,000 MW inter-state transmission system connected wind-solar hybrid power projects, tranche VII. By quoting Rs 3.21 per kWh, Juniper Green Energy and Green Infra Wind Energy (Sembcorp) have won 150 MW and 450 MW, respectively. NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has won 300 MW by quoting Rs 3.15 per kWh. Of the total tendered capacity, only 900 MW was auctioned.
