The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited proposals for the development of 2000 MW of ISTS-connected Hybrid Power projects. These projects will harness both wind and solar energy sources and will be operated on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis. The selected bidders will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI, ensuring the supply of Wind-Solar Hybrid Power for 25 years.
The Hybrid Power Developer (HPD) is tasked with setting up these projects, including dedicated transmission networks up to the Interconnection/Delivery Points. Their primary objective is to supply Wind-Solar Hybrid Power to SECI. This comprehensive scope involves land identification, installation, and ownership of the projects, along with obtaining necessary approvals and interconnection with the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) network or State Transmission Utilities (STU) or ISTS Network as applicable.
These projects aim to deploy Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Technology, representing a key stride in India’s renewable energy transformation. Notably, these projects are designed to be technology-agnostic, fostering innovation and adaptation of the latest technologies.
The selection process for these Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects will involve a two-step approach: e-bidding and an e-reverse Auction process. Bidders will be required to submit a single bid offering a minimum Contracted Capacity of 50 MW and a maximum of 1,000 MW. Each bidder, including its parent, affiliate, or ultimate parent company, is subject to a maximum allocation of 1 GW.
One unique feature of this initiative is the freedom to choose project locations across India. Bidders and HPDs have discretion over project locations, bearing the cost, risk, and responsibility associated with obtaining connectivity and approvals. Each project must have separate injection points, control systems, and metering arrangements if an HPD wishes to establish multiple projects.
The minimum project size for a single Hybrid Power Project is 50 MW when interconnected at an ISTS Delivery Point. However, for STU/ISTS-connected projects, the minimum size is 10 MW and above when interconnected at a single Delivery Point.
To qualify as a Hybrid Power Project, the rated capacities of both the solar and wind components must each be at least 33% of the Contracted Capacity. In other words, for a 100 MW Contracted Capacity, the rated capacities of both Wind and Solar components should be at least 33 MW each.
Crucially, bidders will be required to declare the annual Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of their projects at the time of RfS submission. This CUF will be fixed for the entire PPA term, ensuring stability in the energy supply. HPDs must maintain energy supply levels within 90-120% of the declared CUF value.
Project commissioning and the declaration of Commercial Operation Date (COD) will adhere to the regulations set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2023. The timeline for commissioning and COD will be in line with these regulations.
SECI has established a Performance Bank Guarantee formula for selected bidders, while the Project Completion Period is set at 24 months.
With the pre-bid meeting scheduled for October 31, 2023, the last date for bid submissions is on November 6, 2023, with bid opening on November 7, 2023. The power procured from these projects will be sold to different Buying Entities in India.
This ambitious initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity, offering a significant opportunity for the private sector to participate in the nation’s green energy revolution. As a pivotal player in the growth of renewable energy, SECI’s continued efforts mark a crucial step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for India.
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