The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced an invitation for bids to select solar power developers for the establishment of 1,000 MW ISTS-connected Solar PV Power Projects in India. This initiative, known as SECI-ISTS-XII, will be executed under Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding.
SECI’s proposal entails the set-up of ISTS-connected Solar PV Power projects across India on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, with a collective capacity of 1,000 MW. Successful bidders will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI, committing to supply solar power for 25 years following the stipulated terms and conditions. The power procured from these projects will be destined for various buyers throughout India, with details of these entities to be disclosed at a later stage.
The bidding process will adopt a Single Stage, Two-Envelope procedure, as outlined in the Request for Selection (RfS) documents. The bidding will adhere to competitive bidding regulations as specified in the RfS. The rights and obligations of both SECI and the Solar Power Developer (SPD) will be defined by the RfS documents and the agreement signed between the parties.
Under this initiative, SPDs will be responsible for establishing ISTS-connected Solar PV Power Projects primarily aimed at supplying power to SECI, following the RfS and PPA terms. SPDs will also undertake tasks such as land identification, project installation, ownership, obtaining necessary approvals, and establishing interconnections with the ISTS network for power supply to SECI.
Bidders, including their parent, affiliate, or ultimate parent companies, are required to submit a single bid with a minimum capacity of 50 MW and a maximum capacity of 500 MW. Project capacities must be quoted in multiples of 10 MW. In cases where a common company or companies hold more than 10% but less than 26% shareholding in multiple bidders participating in the RfS, specific disclosure requirements will apply.
The location of the projects will be at the discretion, cost, and responsibility of the bidder, who may choose to set up a single cumulative project or subdivide it into multiple blocks within the same state. Each block must operate at a minimum voltage level of 33 kV, and a single tariff will be quoted for the entire project, regardless of its configuration.
SECI will accept part commencement of power supply from the project, provided that the minimum capacity for the first and subsequent parts is 50 MW, with the last part comprising the remaining contracted capacity. A Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD) has been set, with a maximum grace period, beyond which penalties may be imposed.
Key dates for this initiative include the bid submission end date on November 22, 2023, a pre-bid meeting scheduled for October 19, 2023, and the bid opening date on November 23, 2023.
SECI’s endeavor to expand solar power generation through this initiative aligns with India’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy sources, marking a significant step towards a greener and more energy-secure future. With the inclusion of private sector participants, this project has the potential to drive India’s solar energy capacity to new heights, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible power sector.
Please find the document below for more details.
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