The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) to develop 500 MW ISTS-connected renewable energy projects for supplying 1,500 MWh of assured peak power (3 hours daily) under a Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism.
The projects will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis, with selected developers entering into a 12-year CfD Agreement (CfDA) with SECI. Power generated will be sold through Indian power exchanges during non-solar hours (18:00–24:00 hrs).
Bidding & Timeline
- RfS No.: SECI/C&P/IPP/13/0002/26-27
- Date of Issue: April 19, 2026
- Bid Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026 (as per tender notice)
- Bidding Mode: Single-stage, two-envelope e-tender
- Selection Process: Competitive bidding followed by e-reverse auction
Project Scope
The selected Renewable Power Developers (RPDs) will be responsible for:
- Setting up ISTS-connected RE projects (solar, wind, hybrid)
- Optional integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
- Developing transmission infrastructure up to the delivery point
- Land acquisition, approvals, and grid connectivity
The projects are technology-agnostic and can be located anywhere in India.
Capacity & Allocation Criteria
- Total Capacity: 500 MW
- Minimum Bid Size: 50 MW
- Maximum Bid Size: 125 MW
- Maximum Allocation per Bidder Group: 125 MW
Peak Power Supply Requirement
Developers must supply power for any 3 hours daily
- Peak Window: 18:00 to 24:00 hrs
- Daily Supply Obligation:
3,000 kWh per MW - Weekly Requirement:
21 MWh per MW
Power must be sold through exchanges in the following sequence:
- GDAM
- DAM
- RTM
CfD Mechanism & Settlement
The tender introduces a market-linked CfD structure, where:
Developers sell power on exchanges
Settlement is based on Market Clearing Price (MCP) vs Strike Price (SP)
Settlement Structure:
- MCP > SP → Developer pays difference to SECI
- MCP < SP → SECI compensates developer
- Profit/Loss Sharing: 30% (developer) : 70% (CfD Pool)
- CfD Stabilization Fund: ₹76 crore
Energy Flexibility & ESS Use
Up to 25% energy sourcing allowed from green markets/bilateral contracts
ESS (if installed) can be used for:
- Peak supply
- Additional market participation after meeting obligations
However, excess supply beyond limits will not be eligible for CfD settlement.
Financial Requirements
RfS Fee – ₹50,000 + GST
Bid Processing Fee – ₹20,000/MW + GST (capped at ₹20 lakh)
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) –
- ₹9.68 lakh/MW (solar)
- ₹13.68 lakh/MW (wind/other RE)
- ₹2.40 lakh/MWh (ESS)
Validity: 12 months
Form: Bank Guarantee / POI / Surety Bond
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)
- ₹24.20 lakh/MW (solar)
- ₹34.20 lakh/MW (wind/other RE)
- ₹6.00 lakh/MWh (ESS)
Submission: Within 20 days of LoA
Validity: Up to 6 months beyond commissioning deadline
Connectivity & Compliance
Mandatory ISTS connectivity (minimum 220 kV)
Compliance with:
- CERC regulations
- Grid Code
- GNA framework
All transmission, scheduling, and deviation responsibilities lie with the developer.
Commissioning Timeline
- Scheduled Commissioning: 12 months from Effective Date
- Maximum Delay Allowed: 3 months (with penalty)
Delay Penalties:
- PBG encashment (pro-rata)
- Termination of uncommissioned capacity beyond extended timeline
Part Commissioning
- Minimum part commissioning: 50 MW
- Energy obligations adjusted proportionally
- Excess generation not eligible for CfD settlement
Submission & Participation
Bids must be submitted via ISN-ETS portal
Mandatory submission includes:
- RfS fee
- Processing fee
- EMD
Non-compliance will lead to bid rejection.
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