The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a major Request for Selection (RfS) identified as SECI-FDRE-VII on September 30, 2025. This tender is aimed at selecting Renewable Energy (RE) Power Developers who can provide a reliable peak power supply of 4,800 MWh daily, which is equivalent to 1,200 MW for four peak hours. The initiative is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its power sector and ensure that renewable energy contributes effectively to meeting peak electricity demand.
The tender specifically targets ISTS-connected renewable energy projects. The developers selected under this process will play a key role in ensuring that the grid can handle peak loads efficiently. The process is structured under a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding system, which means the selection will largely depend on the lowest tariff offered by the bidders for supplying peak power. Once chosen, developers will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI, formalizing their long-term commitment to deliver the contracted power reliably.
Financial safeguards are an important part of this tender. Each bidder is required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to demonstrate their seriousness and financial capability. The EMD is set at ₹4,00,000 per MW of the proposed project capacity. For example, a developer bidding for a 100 MW project would need to submit an EMD of ₹4,00,00,000. After successful selection, developers must provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) to secure their commitment to completing the project. The PBG amount is ₹10,00,000 per MW of the allotted capacity, meaning a 100 MW project would require a PBG of ₹10,00,00,000. These financial requirements ensure that only committed and capable developers participate in the tender.
The bidding timeline is also clearly defined. The final date for bid submission is November 14, 2025, which is a critical deadline for all interested developers. Following this, the techno-commercial bids will be opened on November 17, 2025. These dates mark important milestones in the evaluation process and set the pace for the selection of developers.
Once awarded, the RE Power Developers are expected to commission their projects within 24 months from the issuance of the Letter of Award (LOA). This timeframe ensures that the peak power supply can be integrated into the grid without long delays, helping to maintain stability and reliability during high-demand periods.
Overall, SECI-FDRE-VII reflects India’s strategic focus on integrating renewable energy sources with grid stability requirements. By setting clear financial and operational guidelines, SECI aims to encourage experienced and capable developers to contribute to meeting the country’s peak electricity needs. This tender not only provides an opportunity for developers to participate in large-scale renewable projects but also reinforces India’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient power sector, capable of addressing peak load challenges while promoting clean energy adoption.
The initiative highlights the importance of combining renewable energy generation with financial safeguards and project accountability to ensure grid reliability. With the competitive bidding process and well-defined timelines, this tender sets a benchmark for structured renewable energy development in India.
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