In a significant move to bolster India’s firm, dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) capacity, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has officially issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of 1,200 MW of ISTS-connected renewable energy projects. Labeled as tender SECI-FDRE-IX (RfS No. SECI/C&P/IPP/13/0006/26-27), the initiative mandates an assured peak supply of 4,800 MWh, representing a pivotal step in providing grid stability through mandatory energy storage integration.
Tender Specifications and Commercial Terms
The tender follows a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, designed to provide long-term certainty for developers through 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
| Parameter | Specification |
| Contracted Capacity | 1,200 MW |
| Energy Storage Requirement | Assured Peak Supply of 4,800 MWh (1,200 MW x 4 Hours) |
| Operational Model | Build-Own-Operate (BOO) |
| PPA Duration | 25 Years from the Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD) |
| Interconnection | ISTS-Connected (Minimum voltage level of 220 kV) |
| Technology | Technology Agnostic (RE Power generating source + mandatory Energy Storage System) |
Developer Financial Obligations and Bidding Safeguards
Beyond the standard bidding fees, developers must account for significant commercial obligations, including success charges and specific performance guarantees.
- Document Fee: INR 50,000 + applicable GST (Non-refundable).
- Bid Processing Fee: INR 20,000/MW + applicable GST (Capped at INR 20,00,000 + GST).
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): Required along with the bid, calculated as:
[INR 9,68,000 x Solar MW] + [INR 13,68,000 x Wind/Other RE MW] + [INR 2,40,000 x ESS MWh]. - Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG): Successful bidders must submit a PBG prior to signing the PPA, calculated as:
[INR 24,20,000 x Solar MW] + [INR 34,20,000 x Wind/Other RE MW] + [INR 6,00,000 x ESS MWh]. - Success Charges: A significant commercial obligation of INR 1,00,000/MW + applicable GST, payable to SECI in two installments (50% within 30 days of LoA; 50% prior to PPA signing).
- Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): To be eligible for coverage under the PSM, the RPD must offer a tariff discount of Rs. 0.02/kWh for the entire term of the PPA.
Project Implementation and Peak Supply Mandates
The scope of work for the RE Power Developer (RPD) encompasses land identification, installation, ownership, and ISTS connectivity. The tender introduces strict operational constraints to ensure firm power delivery:
- Defined Peak Hours: As per GRID-INDIA, Peak Hours commence from non-solar hours in the evening and continue until non-solar hours of the subsequent morning. The Buying Entity will select 4 hours within this window for daily delivery.
- Continuous Supply Requirement: The 4 hours chosen by the Buying Entity must be structured to ensure at least one hour of continuous supply from the project.
- Performance Penalties: The RPD is mandated to deliver 4,000 kWh of energy per MW of Contracted Capacity during the chosen Peak Hours. Any shortfall in this mandated supply will attract a penalty of 1.5 times the PPA Tariff.
- Environmental Compliance (GIB): Siting is a critical risk factor. Projects located in Rajasthan and Gujarat must strictly abide by Supreme Court orders and MNRE guidelines regarding Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitats, including requirements for retrofitting transmission lines and wind turbines to avoid bird collisions.
- Sourcing Flexibility: RPDs may source up to 5% of their annual RE requirement from green market sources or bilateral agreements to meet supply conditions.
Critical Timeline and Compliance Dates
Stakeholders are advised that the official ISN-ETS portal remains the primary authority for all updates. The current administrative schedule is as follows:
- RfS Issuance Date: June 5, 2026
- Pre-bid Meeting: June 17, 2026
- Bid Submission Deadline: July 20, 2026
- Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD): 18 months from the Effective Date of the PPA.
- TENDER PORTAL: https://www.seci.co.in/tender-details/Ymd_
Administrative Contacts
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited Sh. Atulya Kumar Naik, Executive Director (C&P) 6th Floor, Plate-B, NBCC Office Block Tower-2, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi – 110023 Email: aknaik@seci.co.in / contracts@seci.co.in
Specific Project Queries:
- Sh. Pratik Prasun (DGM C&P): 011-24666237 | pratikpr@seci.co.in
- Sh. Jayansh Gaur (Dy. Manager C&P): 011-24666281 | jayansh.gaur@seci.co.in
ISN-ETS Portal Support M/s Electronic Tender.com (India) Pvt. Ltd. Phone: +91-124-4229071, 4229072 | Email: support@isn-ets.com
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