SECI Awards 1.2 GW RTC Renewable Energy Contracts to Hero, Hexa, Sembcorp, and Jindal

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has recently awarded contracts for 1.2 GW of round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy capacity. Four major players viz. Hero Future Energies, Hexa Climate Solutions, Sembcorp Green Infra, and Jindal India Power, secured significant portions of this auction aimed at boosting uninterrupted renewable power supply through interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected projects.

The auction, launched in October 2024, was designed to accelerate the deployment of RTC power, which provides reliable electricity 24/7 by integrating renewable energy generation with storage solutions. Hero Future Energies won 120 MW at a tariff of INR 5.06 per unit, closely followed by Hexa Climate Solutions with 100 MW at the same price. Sembcorp Green Infra and Jindal India Power bagged 50 MW and 150 MW respectively, both at a slightly higher tariff of INR 5.07 per kilowatt-hour. Together, these awards represent 420 MW of the total tendered capacity, leaving 780 MW still to be allotted.

As part of the agreement, the developers are responsible for constructing and maintaining the transmission infrastructure up to the delivery point and securing the necessary land for their projects. They must also ensure all interconnection approvals are in place for linking with either the interstate or state transmission systems. Crucially, the projects are required to include energy storage to guarantee round-the-clock power availability, addressing the intermittency challenge of renewables.

The minimum voltage level for interconnection is set at 220 kilovolts, and the projects must meet stringent demand fulfillment ratios to avoid penalties, specifically, 80 percent annually, 75 percent monthly, and 90 percent during peak demand hours. SECI expects the developers to start delivering power within 24 months of signing the power purchase agreements, with flexibility to divide their awarded capacities across multiple projects.

By focussing on RTC solutions, SECI is paving the way for a sustainable energy future where clean power flows steadily around the clock, supporting India’s ambitious climate and energy goals.