Avaada Energy, ReNew Solar Power (ReNew), Solairedirect Energy India (ENGIE), SAEL Industries, 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 XIV.

Avaada, ReNew, ENGIE, and SAEL quoted the lowest tariff of ₹2.57 (~$0.0310)/kWh to win 300 MW, 300 MW, 100 MW, and 600 MW, respectively.

NTPC was awarded 200 MW out of the 500 MW quoted capacity at a tariff of ₹2.58 (~$0.0311)/kWh.

SECI floated the tender for the projects in January 2024.

The successful bidders must set up the solar projects connected to the ISTS, encompassing the transmission network extending up to the interconnection/delivery point.

The project developer’s responsibilities 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 developers can locate the project in the same state as the buying entity for STU interconnection.

The project design must facilitate interconnection with the ISTS or InSTS in compliance with Central Electricity Regulatory Commission regulations.

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.

The stated or adjusted annual Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) 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 PPA term of 25 years, the annual CUF should be within +10% and -20 % of the declared value.

Only modules from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Approved List for Models and Manufacturers must be used.

JSW Energy, Sunsure Energy, UPC Renewables, and NTPC Renewable Energy were the winners of  SECI’s  Tranche XIII auction to set up 1,500 MW ISTS-connected solar power projects in India.

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