SECI Invites Bids for 1000 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power Projects

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), operating under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has announced a Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of 1000 MW ISTS-connected Solar PV power projects across India. This initiative aligns with the National Solar Mission’s objective to enhance solar energy technology commercialization.

Tender Details:

• Tender ID: SECI000186
• Tender Search Code (TSC): SECI-2024-TN000043
• Tender Reference Number: SECI/C&P/IPP/11/0014/24-25
• Tender Title: RfS for 1000 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power Projects in India (SECI-ISTS-XVIII)
• Tender Fee: INR 59,000
• Bid Bond (EMD): INR 942,000
• Performance Bank Guarantee: As per RfS documents
• Project Completion Period: June 30, 2025

Timeline:

• Publication Date: September 12, 2024
• Pre-Bid Meeting: September 18, 2024
• Document Sale Start Date: September 12, 2024
• Document Sale End Date: October 4, 2024
• Bid Submission End Date (Soft Copy): October 4, 2024
• Bid Submission End Date (Hard Copy): October 8, 2024
• Bid Opening Date: October 9, 2024

Tender Type: e-RA

Guidelines and Scope:

SECI’s tender follows the “Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects,” issued by the Ministry of Power (MoP) on July 28, 2023. These guidelines, established under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, cover long-term procurement through competitive bidding for solar PV projects.

Project Requirements:

• Scope: Solar Power Developers (SPDs) are required to establish ISTS-connected Solar PV Power Projects, including the necessary transmission infrastructure up to the interconnection point. The SPD will be responsible for land acquisition, project installation, and obtaining connectivity approvals.
• Technology: The projects will utilize Solar Photovoltaic Technology but are technology-agnostic in terms of selection.

Procurement and Allocation:

• Capacity: SECI will select projects totaling 1000 MW through an e-bidding and e-Reverse Auction (e-RA) process. An additional 1000 MW capacity may be allocated under a ‘Greenshoe Option’ as per Clause 43 of the RfS.
• Eligibility: Bidders, including their affiliates, must offer a minimum of 50 MW and a maximum of 500 MW of contracted capacity. Bids should be submitted in integral values.

Power Purchase Agreement:

SECI will sign a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with successful bidders. The power procured will be sold to various buying entities in India, with SECI acting as an intermediary for the procurement and sale of power. Bidders may avail of fiscal incentives such as Accelerated Depreciation, Concessional Customs and Excise Duties, and Tax Holidays, but these will not influence bid selection or applicable tariffs.

For further details refer the Tender document Here: