India floats tenders for 1.2 GW of renewables with storage to ensure reliable peak power supply

Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has invited bids to develop 1.2 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected renewable energy projects coupled with energy storage systems (ESS), aimed at supplying 4,800 MWh of assured peak power (1,200 MW for four hours) each day. The projects will be developed on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis to deliver dispatchable renewable electricity during periods of peak demand.

SECI will sign 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the successful bidders and subsequently sell the procured power to distribution companies and other buying entities across India.

Under the tender, developers will be responsible for establishing the renewable energy generation facilities, integrated energy storage systems, and the associated transmission infrastructure up to the delivery point. Land acquisition and grid connectivity will be within the scope of the renewable energy developer.

The projects may be located anywhere in India. However, the renewable energy generation assets and the associated energy storage systems must be co-located within each project.

Developers must submit a single bid for a minimum contracted capacity of 50 MW and a maximum of 600 MW. The total capacity that may be awarded to any bidder or bidder group is capped at 600 MW.