The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for setting up a 10 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power project in Odisha. The project is part of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) plan for 100% solarization of the Konark Sun Temple and Konark town. It will also include a 10 MW/20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure reliable power supply during peak demand hours.
The project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. SECI will act as the intermediary power procurer and will sell the electricity to GRIDCO Limited. The selected developer will sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a period of 25 years, ensuring long-term revenue stability.
The bidding process will follow a single-stage, two-envelope procedure, followed by an e-reverse auction. Bidders will compete either on the basis of the lowest Viability Gap Funding (VGF) required or the lowest discounted tariff quoted. The maximum tariff allowed under the scheme has been capped at ₹2.70 per kWh. The government will provide financial support through VGF, with a maximum limit of ₹1 crore per MW.
Under the project requirements, the developer will be responsible for identifying suitable land, installing the solar plant and battery storage system, and arranging grid connectivity with the State Transmission Utility (STU) network. Although the Government of Odisha has identified land in Junagarh, Kalahandi district, developers are free to select any suitable location within the state.
To ensure consistent and reliable energy supply, the developer must supply 20,000 kWh of electricity daily during peak hours for the 10 MW capacity. Peak hours are defined as two hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM of the following day, as scheduled by the buying entity. The inclusion of battery storage will help in shifting solar power generated during the day to meet demand during evening and night-time peak hours.
The RfS was issued on February 17, 2026. Interested bidders must submit their proposals through the ISN-ETS portal before the specified deadline. Financial commitments are a key part of the bidding process. Bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1,42,50,000 in the form of a Bank Guarantee, Letter of Undertaking, or Surety Bond along with their bid.
Successful bidders must provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of ₹56,25,000 before signing the PPA. In addition, a non-refundable RfS document fee of ₹50,000 plus GST and a bid processing fee of ₹2,00,000 plus GST must be paid.
Once the PPA becomes effective, the developer must apply for grid connectivity within 30 days. The project must be fully commissioned within 13 months from the effective date of the PPA. This timeline is strict, and any delay beyond the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) will attract penalties. These may include encashment of the Performance Bank Guarantee and possible tariff reductions if the delay exceeds three months.
This initiative highlights the government’s continued focus on integrating solar power with battery storage to ensure round-the-clock renewable energy supply, while also supporting heritage and tourism locations like Konark with clean and reliable electricity.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
