SECI Announces 1000 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power Project Tender

SECI issues a 1000 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) -Connected Solar PV Power Project tender, inviting developers to bid for a strategic solar energy initiative.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has launched a new Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of 1000 MW ISTS-connected Solar PV power projects across India. This initiative is aligned with India's National Solar Mission and aims to accelerate the commercialization of solar energy technologies.

Key Tender Details

The tender has been announced as part of SECI’s efforts to promote competitive bidding for solar energy projects across the country. Here are the critical aspects of the tender:

• Tender ID: SECI000186

• Tender Reference Number: SECI/C&P/IPP/11/0014/24-25

• Tender Title: RfS for 1000 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power Projects in India (SECI-ISTS-XVIII)

• Tender Fee: INR 59,000

• Bid Bond (EMD): INR 942,000

• Completion Period: June 30, 2025

Important Dates

• Publication Date: September 12, 2024

• Pre-Bid Meeting: September 18, 2024

• Document Sale Start Date: September 12, 2024

• Document Sale End Date: October 4, 2024

• Bid Submission (Soft Copy): October 4, 2024

• Bid Submission (Hard Copy): October 8, 2024

• Bid Opening Date: October 9, 2024

Scope and Guidelines

The tender is based on the “Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects”, issued by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in July 2023. These guidelines aim to enhance transparency and competition in the bidding process for solar PV projects.

Key responsibilities for Solar Power Developers (SPDs) include:

Establishing ISTS-connected Solar PV power projects and the required transmission infrastructure.

Managing land acquisition, project installation, and connectivity approvals. The project will employ Solar Photovoltaic Technology, but the technology selection remains agnostic, allowing bidders flexibility in choosing their project technology.

Bidding and Allocation

SECI will select projects totaling 1000 MW capacity through an e-bidding and e-Reverse Auction (e-RA) process. An additional 1000 MW capacity may be allotted under the Greenshoe Option, as outlined in the RfS.

Bidders must offer a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of 500 MW of capacity, with bids submitted in integral values.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Successful bidders will enter into a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI, which will act as an intermediary to sell the power to various entities in India. While bidders can avail fiscal incentives like Accelerated Depreciation, Concessional Customs and Excise Duties, and Tax Holidays, these factors will not affect the selection process or applicable tariffs.

For further details refer the Tender document in the following link: SECI000186-3997659-RfSfor1000MWSolarISTS-XVIII-finalupload