SECI Launches Bidding Process for 2,000 MW Solar Storage Projects
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. The organization is inviting bids for the establishment of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of grid-connected solar projects that will include co-located energy storage systems (ESS). This strategic move is designed to bolster India’s renewable energy grid and support the nation’s climate and energy security goals for 2030.
Details of the Bid Invitation
The bid invitation, released on SECI’s website, outlines that the solar projects will be developed under a tariff-based competitive bidding mechanism known as SECI-ISTS-XX. These solar plants are required to connect to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). Each project must also incorporate a substantial energy storage capacity of 1000 MW/4000 MWh. This requirement aligns with the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) advisory from February, which highlighted the importance of integrating energy storage with solar power generation to improve cost efficiency and grid reliability.
The CEA’s guidelines are part of a broader national strategy aimed at addressing the intermittency of solar power. By incorporating energy storage solutions, the initiative seeks to smooth out fluctuations in supply, ensuring a more stable energy output. The bid document specifies that project developers can choose locations at their discretion, with the flexibility to set up a single project across multiple sites, provided that the energy storage component is co-located with at least one of these sites.
Energy Storage Requirements
Under the bid’s special conditions, each megawatt of solar capacity must be paired with a minimum of 0.5 MW/2 MWh of energy storage capacity. Importantly, the energy storage systems must be charged exclusively using solar energy. Any charging from alternative sources will disqualify that component from being recognized as part of the solar project. This stipulation emphasizes the commitment to maintaining the integrity of renewable energy sources and maximizing the efficiency of solar power generation.
The deadline for submitting online bids is set for July 22, 2025, while offline submissions will close on July 24. The opening of bids is scheduled for July 25. This timeline allows potential bidders ample opportunity to prepare their proposals in line with the outlined requirements.
Implications for India’s Renewable Energy Landscape
This tender reflects SECI’s increasing focus on storage-linked renewable projects, which are essential for integrating the anticipated growth in solar and wind capacity as outlined in India’s National Electricity Plan. The CEA projects that to support a target of 364 GW of solar and 121 GW of wind capacity by 2031-32, India will require approximately 73.93 GW/411.4 GWh of energy storage. This will include 26.69 GW/175.18 GWh from pumped storage projects and 47.24 GW/236.22 GWh from battery energy storage systems.
As India continues its transition towards a cleaner energy mix, SECI’s initiative to mandate co-located storage in its latest solar bid is expected to stimulate significant investment in battery infrastructure. This development is anticipated to enhance the dispatchability of renewable power across various states, thereby contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the country.
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