SECI Launches RfS for 2000 MW Solar PV Projects with 1000 MW ESS

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has launched a Request for Selection (RfS) to identify developers for 2000 MW ISTS-connected Solar PV Power Projects with an accompanying 1000 MW/4000 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS).

This project adheres to tariff-based competitive bidding. The bidding will follow a Single Stage, Two-Envelope procedure and will be conducted through e-tendering. Bidders are required to pay a non-refundable document fee of INR 50,000 plus GST and a bid processing fee of INR 20,000 per MW, capped at INR 20,00,000 plus GST.

An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 16,24,000 per MW, submitted via Bank Guarantee, is also necessary. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months of the award, with a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of INR 40,60,000 per MW required from the selected developers.

The scope of work encompasses the establishment of ISTS-connected Solar PV Projects and ESS, including the construction of transmission networks up to the Interconnection/Delivery Point. Developers will handle land acquisition, project installation, and securing all necessary approvals and connections.

Projects must deploy Solar Photovoltaic Technology and ESS, with a mandatory ESS capacity of 0.5 MW/2 MWh per MW of project capacity. The ESS must be charged solely by solar power. Bidders can propose capacities ranging from 50 MW to 1000 MW in multiples of 10 MW.

The bid submission deadline is September 4, 2024, with bid openings scheduled for September 5, 2024. The e-reverse auction details will be shared with eligible bidders separately. For participation, bidders must register on the ETS portal. Registration details and contact information are provided in the RfS documents.

The project will be executed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis. Successful bidders will sign a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI. Bidders must meet eligibility criteria specified in the RfS documents and submit bids without deviations or exceptions. Eligible participants include those with completed or ongoing solar projects, provided they meet RfS conditions. Fiscal incentives such as accelerated depreciation, concessional customs and excise duties, and tax holidays are available but will not impact the bid evaluation.