The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has invited bids for the development of 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power projects, integrated with 600 MW/3,600 MWh of energy storage systems (ESS). The projects will be implemented on a build-own-operate basis.
According to the tender guidelines, the scope of work includes installation of ESS with a minimum capacity of 0.5 MW/3 MWh for every 1 MW of the contracted solar power. Developers are required to bid for a minimum cumulative capacity of 50 MW and can bid up to a maximum cumulative capacity of 600 MW. The ESS can either be owned by the developer or sourced from a third-party provider. All projects must be ISTS-connected and are to be located at sites selected by the developers at their own cost and risk. Projects can be established at multiple locations with different delivery points. However, the ESS must be co-located with at least one of the project components.
SECI will enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the selected developers. Power generated from these projects will be procured by the SECI and sold to various buyers across India through back-to-back agreements, with the SECI acting as the intermediary nodal agency. The last date for bid submission is August 20, 2025.