SECI Invites Bids for 2000 MW Solar Projects with Integrated Energy Storage Solutions

SECI Issues Tender for 2000 MW Solar Projects with 1000 MW/4000 MWh Storage Component

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) to identify solar power developers for the establishment of 2,000 MW of ISTS-connected solar photovoltaic projects, along with 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh of energy storage systems (ESS) throughout India. This initiative aims to enhance grid stability and increase renewable energy capacity through a tariff-based competitive bidding process.

As outlined in the RfS published on June 12, the tender follows a two-bid system, which includes both techno-commercial and financial proposals submitted exclusively through the designated portal. Participants are required to pay a non-refundable document fee of INR 50,000 plus GST, along with a bid processing fee of INR 20,000 per MW (capped at INR 20 lakh). Additionally, an earnest money deposit of INR 14.24 lakh per MW per project must be provided in the form of a bank guarantee, performance bank guarantee, or surety bond.

Bidders can propose for a minimum capacity of 50 MW and up to 1,000 MW, in increments of 10 MW. However, the total capacity awarded to any bidder, including their affiliates and group companies, must not exceed 1,000 MW. Developers are responsible for selecting project locations, which must include co-located energy storage. For installations across multiple sites, at least one site must have the ESS installed.

SECI has clarified that although the combined installed capacity (solar plus ESS) may exceed the contracted capacity, the power offtake by SECI will be limited to the contracted amount only. Developers have the flexibility to change the project site or delivery point until the financial closure, with a commissioning deadline set for June 30, 2028, at the latest.

The technical eligibility requirements stipulate the use of commercially established and operational technologies. All solar PV modules and cells must be sourced from manufacturers listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) at the time of invoicing. Furthermore, bidders must adhere to mandatory standards, cybersecurity norms, and ensure the installation of GPS-enabled automatic weather stations (AWS) as per grid code requirements.

From a financial perspective, the eligibility criteria demand a minimum net worth of INR crore per MW as of FY 2024–25 or within one week before the bid deadline. This requirement applies to the bidding entity and any affiliates contributing equity or bank guarantees. Foreign entities can participate independently or via a consortium, but successful foreign bidders must establish an Indian Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with at least 51% ownership prior to signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In consortium scenarios, all members must retain a non-zero equity stake, and the shareholding structure must remain consistent from the bidding phase to project execution.

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with valid UDYAM registration as of the bid submission deadline are exempt from the document cost, processing fee, and earnest money deposit, provided all consortium members meet MSE criteria. Pre-bid meetings and bid deadlines will be announced through the portal and the SECI website, with reverse auction details to be shared with eligible bidders at a later date.

This tender is part of India’s broader goal to integrate large-scale renewable energy with solutions for grid stability, setting a significant benchmark for utility-scale solar-plus-storage development in the region.