The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of 1,200 MW ISTS-connected solar PV power projects combined with 600 MW/3,600 MWh Energy Storage Systems (ESS) under tariff-based competitive bidding, referred to as SECI-ISTS-XXI. This RfS was released on June 19, 2025. The tender aims to attract developers who can build, own, and operate these solar-plus-storage projects anywhere in India, interconnecting them with the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS).
The minimum capacity that can be quoted is 50 MW, and the maximum allowed is 600 MW, in multiples of 10 MW. Developers must include a storage component of at least 0.5 MW/3 MWh per MW of solar capacity. The projects must be set up at the cost and responsibility of the developer, including land acquisition, connectivity, and all necessary approvals.
For bid submission, a document fee of ₹50,000 plus applicable GST is required. In addition, bidders must pay a Bid Processing Fee of ₹20,000 per MW, up to a maximum of ₹20 lakhs plus applicable GST. The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is ₹15,93,000 per MW per project, which can be submitted via bank guarantee, Payment on Order Instrument (POI), or Insurance Surety Bond. Furthermore, selected bidders are required to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of ₹39,82,000 per MW per project, valid until 12 months after the Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD).
The SCSD is defined as 24 months from the effective date of the PPA. A maximum grace period of six months is allowed, with penalties in case of delay. Failure to commence power supply beyond this period will result in a reduction of contracted capacity and encashment of the respective PBGs. The projects will be awarded through e-bidding followed by an e-Reverse Auction.
Energy supplied during peak hours (6:00 PM to 9:00 AM) must meet the daily requirement of 3,000 kWh per MW, as specified by the Buying Entity. Bidders are allowed to use the storage system for third-party sales during off-peak hours, provided the committed energy supply to SECI is not compromised.
The pre-bid meeting and bid submission deadlines are to be announced via SECI’s and ISN-ETS’s portals. Interested developers must submit their complete proposals by the date mentioned in the NIT on ISN-ETS. For assistance. This tender represents a major opportunity for the integration of renewable energy and storage in India’s power sector.
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