SECI launches tenders for over 4000 MW renewable projects

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has launched three separate tenders for renewable energy projects which altogether entail the development of 4070 MW. The authority is seeking developers for 2000 MW wind power projects and 2000 MW solar photovoltaic projects at locations proposed by bidders, plus a 70 MW solar PV park in the northern state of Assam.

The Request for Selection for the development of 2000 MW wind power projects invites developers to submit proposals for wind power projects between 50 MW and 300 MW in size. A company, consortium or affiliates cannot make more than one bid. The projects will be developed on build-own-operate bases. There are no restrictions on the locations of the proposed projects.

SECI shall enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the successful bidders for a period of 25 years from the date as per the provisions of PPA. The maximum tariff payable to each developer is fixed at INR2.93/kWh for the entire term of 25 years.

The Request for Selection for the development of 2000 MW solar PV projects entails the development of eight 250 MW projects. Each bidder, including affiliates, can submit bids for two projects maximum. Bidders can propose to set up a 250 MW project at a single location, or split the 250 MW into any number of "blocks" which can be set up at multiple locations, across various states. The minimum capacity of a block, to be installed at a single location, is 25 MW.

As with the wind projects, the successful bidders will develop the projects on build-own-operate bases and enter into  25-year PPAs with SECI. The maximum tariff is the same.

In addition to these flexible, wide-ranging tenders, SECI has issued a Request for Selection for a 70 MW solar PV project at Amguri Solar Park, in Assam, an Indian state that has seen little large-scale solar energy development. The project will be allocated to a single bidder.

As with those above, the project will follow a build-own-operate basis, and SECI will sign a 25-year PPA with the successful bidder. The maximum tariff is slightly higher: INR3.43/kWh (US$0.054).

For more information on the Requests for Selection, including the deadlines to respond, see the Business Opportunities section of our website.

The Government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW power capacity from renewable energy resources by 2022. 60 GW is to come from wind power and 100 GW from solar PV installations.

The present wind power installed capacity in the country is nearly 32.5 GW, providing around 9% of total installed capacity. Globally India is at 4th position in terms of wind power installed capacity after China, USA and Germany.