Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has invited bids for renewable energy projects with energy storage systems capable of supplying 4,800 MWh of assured peak power, equivalent to 1,200 MW for four hours.
The projects will be connected to the inter-state transmission system and developed by private renewable energy power developers selected through competitive bidding.
Under the tender, developers will be required to set up renewable energy projects along with energy storage systems on a Build Own Operate basis.
SECI will sign 25-year power purchase agreements with successful bidders.
The power procured by SECI is proposed to be supplied to different buying entities in India.
SECI will act as an intermediary procurer, purchasing power from developers and selling it to buying entities on a back-to-back basis.
The projects can be located anywhere in the country.
Land, connectivity, approvals, project installation, ownership and transmission up to the delivery point will remain the responsibility of the developer.
The tender is technology agnostic, but energy storage is mandatory.
The document states that storage charged from sources other than renewable energy will not qualify as renewable power.
Developers can bid for a minimum cumulative contracted capacity of 50 MW and a maximum of 600 MW.
The 600 MW limit will also apply to a bidder along with its parent, affiliate, ultimate parent or group company.
Buying entities will choose 4 peak hours each day for drawing power from the project.
Developers will have to supply 4,000 kWh of energy per MW of contracted capacity during these peak hours on a daily basis.
For every 100 MW of contracted capacity, developers will be required to supply up to 400 MWh during the selected peak-hour window.
Any shortfall beyond the permitted limit will attract penalties under the tender and power purchase agreement.
Supply from the full project capacity is scheduled to begin within 18 months from the effective date of the power purchase agreement.
A further period of 6 months will be allowed with applicable penalties.
The tender also permits part commencement of supply, with the minimum capacity for the first and subsequent parts fixed at 50 MW.
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