SECI Issues Fresh FDRE Tender For 8 GWh (2GW x 4 hours)

SECI Issues Fresh FDRE Tender For 8 GWh (2GW x 4 hours)

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced a Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) tender for peak supply totaling 8,000 MWh (2,000 MW x 4 hours). The project will be developed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis. SECI intends to sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the successful bidders for a 25-year term. The last date to apply for the tender is October 16, 2024.

According to the tender document, the electricity generated from these projects will be sold to various buying entities across India. The projects are designed to operate under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) framework.

“Under this RfS, the RE Power Developer (RPD) shall be required to set up ISTS-connected RE Power Project(s) with Energy Storage System (ESS), including the transmission network up to the Interconnection/ Delivery Point with the primary objective of supplying RE Power to SECI, at its own cost and as per the provisions of the RfS and PPA,” the tender stated.

Additionally, the responsibility for land identification, project installation, ownership, as well as securing connectivity, approvals, and interconnection with the ISTS network for power supply to SECI, will rest with the renewable power developer. SECI emphasized that the energy storage systems in these projects must be powered solely by renewable energy sources.

“ESS shall mandatorily constitute part of the Project. It is clarified that ESS charged using a source other than RE power would not qualify as RE power. For avoidance of any doubt, it is hereby clarified that ESS may be owned by the RPD or may be tied-up separately with a third party by the RPD, for supply of power. The ESS technology can be changed by the RPD at any time during the Term of the PPA. Any change in the ESS component during the term of the PPA shall be at the risk and cost of RPD and under intimation to SECI,” the tender specified.

The SECI tender sets a minimum total contracted capacity of 50 MW and a maximum of 1,000 MW. The projects can be situated at any location within the country.

“The Projects can be located anywhere in India at the locations chosen by the Bidder/RPD at its own discretion of and cost, risk and responsibility. For a single Project, the RE generation components, along with ESS have to be co-located. The different Project components can be connected with ISTS network at different ISTS sub-stations. However, Project location(s) should be chosen taking cognizance of the provision as per Clause 7 of the RfS,” SECI stated.