SECI Invites Bids for 400 MW ISTS-Connected Wind Projects

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited bids for developing 400 MW of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected wind power projects across the country under Tranche-XVIII.

The initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of wind energy in India and contribute to the country’s renewable energy targets.

As per the Request for Selection (RfS) document the project will be developed through a competitive bidding process followed by an e-Reverse Auction (e-RA) to ensure cost-effective tariff discovery. The tender is open to domestic and international developers, who must adhere to SECI’s guidelines.

Bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 12,98,000 with a non-refundable tender fee of INR 59,000. The successful bidder must also provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) as per the terms specified in the RfS document. The completion period for the project is 24 months, ensuring timely commissioning and grid integration.

The tender was published on March 18, 2025, and SECI has scheduled a pre-bid meeting on March 24, 2025, to address queries from interested participants. The sale of tender documents will continue from March 18 to April 11, 2025.

Bidders must submit soft copies of their proposals by April 11, 2025, while hard copies are due by April 15, 2025. The technical bids will be opened on April 16, 2025.

Bidders must be Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Consortiums are allowed but must form a Project Company before signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) without changing the shareholding pattern. Foreign companies can participate but must establish an Indian subsidiary before PPA execution.

Bidders should have experience in developing or operating renewable projects and meet financial criteria. The minimum net worth requirement is INR 1.5 crore per MW as of the last financial year. The project capacity must be at least 50 MW per site, with minimum 10 MW per wind turbine. Power must be supplied to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) network.

Land acquisition proof, financial closure, and technical feasibility reports must be submitted per SECI guidelines. The project should comply with grid connectivity norms, and penalties apply for delays. The successful bidder must sign a PPA for 25 years at a tariff discovered through competitive bidding.

This tender is part of SECI’s ongoing efforts to promote wind energy development in India, aligning with the country’s goal to expand its renewable energy portfolio. By integrating ISTS-connected wind power, the initiative ensures efficient transmission and distribution of clean energy across states, supporting the broader transition to sustainable power generation.

Interested developers can access the RfS document, standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Power Sale Agreement (PSA), and Integrity Pact on SECI’s portal for detailed terms and conditions.