The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has floated a tender to set up interstate transmission system (ISTS) connected renewable energy projects under a contract for difference (CfD) mechanism to ensure peak power supply of 1,500 MWh (500 MW × 3 hours) in India. The projects will be developed on a build-own-operate basis. Successful bidders will enter into a CfD agreement with SECI. Power from these projects is intended to be sold through Indian power exchanges during non-solar hours.
According to the tender guidelines, the scope of work includes the development of ISTS-connected renewable energy projects with or without an energy storage system (ESS). It also includes the development of the transmission network up to the interconnection or delivery point. The responsibility for land identification, project installation, and ownership, as well as securing connectivity, approvals, and interconnection with the ISTS network, will lie with the selected bidder.
The bidders will be required to pay an earnest money deposit of Rs 968,000 per MW times the rated cumulative installed capacity for the solar photovoltaic component, plus Rs 1,368,000 per MW times the rated cumulative installed capacity of wind and other renewable energy sources, plus Rs 240,000 per MWh times the rated cumulative installed capacity of the ESS component. The bid submission deadline is May 22, 2026.
