SECI Issues RfS for 4,800 MWh Peak Supply from ISTS-Connected RE Projects

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a comprehensive Request for Selection (RfS) for Renewable Energy Power Developers to supply assured peak power of 4,800 MWh (1,200 MW x 4 hours) from ISTS-connected renewable energy projects under its SECI-FDRE-VII program. 

The RfS is aimed at facilitating the deployment of commercially established and operational renewable energy technologies in India, ensuring reliable peak supply during high-demand periods, and promoting grid stability.

Bidders for SECI-FDRE-VII must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) calculated on cumulative installed capacities: INR 9,54,000/MW for Solar PV, INR 13,32,000/MW for Wind/other RE, and INR 2,35,450/MWh for ESS. Additionally, a non-refundable RfS document fee of INR 50,000 plus applicable GST and a Bid Processing Fee of INR 20,000 per MW (capped at INR 20,00,000 plus GST) must be submitted along with the RfS response to SECI.

Selected developers will be responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of ISTS-connected projects, integrating solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources into the national grid while complying with all applicable technical, regulatory, and financial norms. The tender also emphasises fostering participation from both domestic and foreign companies, with provisions to form Indian subsidiaries in line with Foreign Direct Investment regulations.The selected bidders will design, construct, and operate renewable energy projects capable of delivering 1,200 MW capacity for four hours daily, totaling 4,800 MWh. Projects must comply with technical standards for solar PV modules, cells, wind turbines, and energy storage systems as specified by MNRE, SECI, and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).

The developers are required to install and maintain GPS-enabled Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), with data availability ensured for Load Dispatch Centers as per Indian Electricity Grid Code requirements. Cybersecurity compliance is mandatory in line with central government directives. Additionally, successful bidders and any associated SPVs must sign connectivity sharing agreements with the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) before entering into the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

General eligibility mandates that participating entities be companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, or part of a consortium led by a company. Consortia must maintain the original shareholding pattern in the Project Company as per the submitted Consortium Agreement. Every consortium member must hold non-zero equity participation, and arrangements such as a 100:0 split between two members are disqualified. Foreign companies may participate individually or as consortium members, and successful foreign bidders must form an Indian subsidiary SPV with at least 51 percent ownership and adhere to all FDI norms before signing the PPA.

Bidders from countries sharing land borders with India, or those with technology transfer arrangements from such countries, must register with the Competent Authority as per Ministry of Finance directives. Proprietorships, partnerships, trusts, NGOs, and LLPs are explicitly ineligible to participate either individually or in consortia. Successful bidders may execute projects via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is either a subsidiary of the bidder or a newly incorporated project company with at least 51 percent bidder shareholding, and multiple SPVs may be used for separate projects.

The RfS requires the deployment of commercially proven renewable energy technologies, minimizing technological risk. Solar PV modules and cells must come from MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), while wind turbines must comply with the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) issued by MNRE.

All projects must meet prescribed energy supply criteria, install AWS for weather monitoring, and follow cybersecurity protocols. Wind and solar systems must conform to prevailing government guidelines for grid-connected renewable energy systems, and other renewable energy sources incorporated into projects must adhere to applicable technical standards.

Bidders are required to demonstrate minimum Net Worth of INR 95.4 lakh per MW for solar PV capacity, INR 1.33 crore per MW for wind and other RE sources, and INR 23.54 lakh per MWh for energy storage. The Net Worth can include the cumulative contribution of the bidding company and its affiliates responsible for equity funding or performance guarantees.

To ensure liquidity, bidders must demonstrate at least one of the following: annual turnover of INR 1.0556 crore per MW, internal resource generation (PBDIT) of INR 21.112 lakh per MW, or an in-principle sanctioned line of credit of INR 26.39 lakh per MW from banks or financial institutions. Bidders may rely on affiliates’ financials with board resolutions guaranteeing funding and performance obligations. 

This RfS reflects SECI’s continued commitment to strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring reliable peak power supply, promoting grid stability, and advancing the nation’s transition to a sustainable and clean energy future.