The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited bids for the development of 2000 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar photovoltaic projects, paired with 1000 MW/4000 MWh of energy storage systems (ESS). The projects will be awarded through a tariff-based competitive bidding process, with the goal of enhancing grid stability and increasing renewable energy capacity in India. The tender follows a two-bid system, comprising techno-commercial and financial proposals, and bidders must submit a non-refundable document fee, bid processing fee, and earnest money deposit.
Bidders can quote for a minimum capacity of 50 MW and up to 1000 MW, in multiples of 10 MW, and the total awarded capacity to any bidder cannot exceed 1000 MW. The project locations will be selected by the developers, and the energy storage systems must be co-located with the solar projects. SECI has clarified that while the installed capacity may exceed the contracted capacity, power offtake will be restricted to the contracted quantum only.
The technical eligibility criteria mandate the use of commercially established and operational technologies, and all solar PV modules and cells must be sourced from manufacturers listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Bidders must also comply with mandatory standards, cyber security norms, and install GPS-enabled automatic weather stations (AWS) in line with grid code requirements.
The financial eligibility criteria require a minimum net worth of INR crore per MW, and foreign entities are eligible to participate, either independently or through a consortium. However, successful foreign bidders must incorporate an Indian Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with at least 51% ownership before signing the power purchase agreement (PPA).
The tender is part of India’s broader ambition to integrate large-scale renewable energy with grid stability solutions, and it sets a benchmark for utility-scale solar-plus-storage development in the region. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with valid UDYAM registration are exempt from the document cost, processing fee, and earnest money deposit, provided all consortium members meet MSE criteria. The pre-bid meetings and bid deadlines will be announced via the SECI portal and website, and the reverse auction details will be shared with eligible bidders at a later stage. The project must be commissioned no later than June 30, 2028.