CERC Approves SECI’s 900 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects With Tariffs Of ₹3.15 kWh And ₹3.21 Per kWh

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) submitted a petition under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to adopt tariffs for 900 MW of wind-solar hybrid power projects (Tranche VII) connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). SECI conducted a competitive bidding process per the Ministry of Power’s guidelines, dated August 21, 2023, for selecting hybrid power generators (HPGs) to support renewable energy adoption.

The bidding process began with SECI issuing a Request for Selection (RfS) on October 23, 2023, for 2,000 MW. Five bids were received, totaling 1,265 MW, all of which met the technical and commercial criteria. SECI held an e-reverse auction on January 9, 2024, and the lowest bids led to the selection of three companies: NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (300 MW), Juniper Green Energy Private Limited (150 MW), and Green Infra Wind Energy Limited (450 MW). SECI subsequently issued Letters of Award (LoAs) on January 16, 2024, to the successful bidders.

To formalize the power purchase, SECI signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with each selected entity in June 2024, securing a total of 900 MW. The PPAs specified tariffs at ₹3.15 per kWh for NTPC and ₹3.21 per kWh for Juniper Green and Green Infra, rates which SECI requested the Commission to adopt.

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) also signed a Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with SECI for the full awarded capacity, making PSPCL the primary distribution entity. During a hearing, PSPCL supported the tariff adoption, subject to further approval from the state regulatory body. Following procedural hearings and compliance checks, the Commission confirmed that SECI followed the bidding guidelines, affirming that the discovered tariffs were reasonable and in line with market standards.

In a final analysis, the Commission reviewed and adopted the tariffs set forth by SECI, satisfying Section 63’s requirement that tariffs be determined through a transparent bidding process. The project’s structured approach and adherence to procedural standards underscored the government’s goal of boosting renewable energy sources, paving the way for further renewable power capacity integration across state boundaries.