The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a request for proposals for the establishment of cumulative 4,000 MW off-shore wind energy. To be located off the coast of Tamil Nadu, through an international competitive bidding process, the bids are issued for four blocks, each with a capacity of 1,000 MW, on the basis of open access. In this arrangement, the developers who successfully secure the bid for each block will establish a 1,000 MW offshore wind energy capacity. They will then directly sell electricity to consumers through the open access regime. The open access bids do not include any viability gap funding, and the clean energy produced will be sold to organisations like industries that are currently in the high-tariff band.
The scope of work under the project includes surveying, development activities, design, construction, financing, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. The offshore wind power developers’ responsibilities include establishing the transmission system for delivering power to the offshore substation, ensuring grid connectivity, and securing long-term access to the grid. The energy produced by offshore wind power projects can be used either for captive consumption, sold to third parties (including on a merchant basis), or traded on the power exchange. The bidders are required to furnish Rs 10 million per block as bank guarantee. The bid submission deadline is May 2, 2024.
In January 2024, the SECI issued a tender to develop 1,500 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar projects, tranche XIV, in India.
In the same month, results were announced for the SECI’s auction to develop 2,000 MW ISTS 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.
