SECI Seeks Bids for 4 GW/16 GWh Battery Storage Projects

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited bids for the development of 4,000 MW/16,000 MWh of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Rajasthan and Gujarat to supply stored energy on demand. The projects will be developed under the build-own-operate (BOO) model through tariff-based competitive bidding.

According to SECI’s Request for Selection (RfS) document, the tender has been divided into two packages. Package I covers 2,500 MW/10,000 MWh of battery storage capacity in Rajasthan, while Package II comprises 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh in Gujarat.

Bidders can participate in either package or submit bids for both. The selected developers will be responsible for setting up and owning the projects under the BOO framework, with the facilities intended to provide stored electricity whenever required.

SECI has set a non-refundable tender document fee of INR 50,000, plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST), for each bidder, irrespective of whether the bid covers one or both packages. The fee must be paid through NEFT or RTGS along with the bid submission.

The bid processing fee is INR 20,000 per MW of quoted capacity, plus applicable GST, subject to a maximum of INR 20 lakh, plus GST, for each package. Separate processing fees will be required for Package I and Package II.

Bidders must also submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) in the form of a bank guarantee, payment on demand instrument or insurance surety bond, in accordance with the conditions specified in the tender document. Separate EMDs are required for the two packages. A performance bank guarantee is also applicable under the tender.

The bidding process will be conducted electronically through the ISN-ETS portal. The dates for the pre-bid meeting, bid submission deadline and opening of techno-commercial bids will be as specified in the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) published on the portal. The date and time for the electronic reverse auction will be communicated to eligible bidders by email.

Interested bidders must meet the qualifying requirements and submit their bids in accordance with the tender’s terms and conditions. SECI has directed participants to monitor its website and the ISN-ETS portal for amendments, clarifications and corrigenda, which will be published online.