SECI Sets New Benchmark With ₹3.52/kWh Tariff For Solar-BESS Projects: NTPC REL, Sembcorp, Reliance Power Among Winners

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has achieved a milestone in its tender for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), setting a new benchmark with a discovered tariff of ₹3.52/kWh. The auction saw a total quoted capacity of 2,000 MW, with five companies emerging as winners. The tariff range for successful bids was between ₹3.52 and ₹3.53 per kWh.

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (REL) secured 500 MW at ₹3.52/kWh, while Sembcorp Green Infra and Solarcraft Power India won 150 MW each at the same tariff. Hero Solar Energy also quoted ₹3.52/kWh for 270 MW. Reliance Power quoted ₹3.53/kWh for 1 GW but received 930 MW under the bucket-filling method. The top four companies accounted for 1,070 MW with tariffs of ₹3.52/kWh, showcasing competitive bidding.

This tender highlights the progress of solar coupled with BESS in India. With a four-hour discharge duration, the discovered tariff of ₹3.52/kWh is a significant development. This follows earlier benchmarks, such as ₹3.41/kWh for two-hour discharge BESS, reflecting technological advancements and cost reductions in storage solutions.

The competitive tariff positions solar with BESS as a viable alternative to other energy options. It indicates growing confidence in integrating renewable energy with storage for grid stability and reliability. The tender aligns with India’s energy transition goals and demonstrates that renewable energy paired with advanced storage systems can achieve economic feasibility.

The discovery of these tariffs emphasizes the potential of solar with BESS to replace conventional energy sources while maintaining affordability and sustainability. This development is expected to encourage further investments in large-scale renewable projects with storage, paving the way for India’s clean energy future.