JSW Neo Energy (JSW Energy), Sunsure Solarpark Fourteen (Sunsure Energy), Tejorupa Renewables India Project (UPC Renewables), and NTPC Renewable Energy were declared winners in the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) auction to set up 1,500 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected solar power projects in India under Tranche XIII.

JSW, Sunsure, and UPC Renewables quoted the lowest tariff of ₹2.56 (~$0.0310)/kWh to win 700 MW, 300 MW, and 250 MW, respectively.

NTPC Renewable won 250 MW out of the 600 MW quoted capacity at ₹2.57 (~$0.0311)/kWh.

The other participants were Jade Hybren (Mahindra), Datta Power Infra, ReNew Solar Power, Solarcraft Power India 8 (BluPine Energy), TEQ Green Power XXI (O2 Power) and Apraava Energy.

SECI had floated the tender for the projects in December 2023.

The selected developers are free to choose the location for the projects and must ensure that they are connected to the ISTS, encompassing the transmission network extending up to the interconnection/delivery point.

The scope of work will also include identifying suitable land, installing and owning the project, and securing connectivity and requisite approvals for interconnection with the ISTS network/State Transmission Utility (STU) or intra-state transmission system (InSTS) network, as applicable, to supply power to SECI.

The developer may locate the project in the same state as the buying entity for STU interconnection.

If the buying entity is situated in the same state as the project, the project developer may opt to interconnect the project at the STU or InSTS substation, adhering to the minimum voltage level as per the applicable state regulations.

SECI has mandated that the stated or adjusted annual Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of the projects must not fall below 17%.

The developer must attain an annual CUF within the range of +10% and -15% of the declared value throughout the initial ten years. This is contingent upon maintaining a minimum annual CUF of 15%.

Subsequently, from the 11th year until the conclusion of the power purchase agreement term of 25 years, the annual CUF should be within +10% and -20% of the declared value.

In January 2024, SECI invited bids to set up 1,500 MW ISTS-connected solar power projects in India under Tranche XIV.

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