The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has once again extended the deadline for the submission of bids for its mega solar tender of 7.5 GW capacity. These grid-connected solar power projects are slated to be developed in Leh-Kargil districts.

The new date for the submission of bids is April 30, 2020. The earlier deadline for bid submission was January 31, 2020, which was extended from November 29, 2019.

When Mercom contacted SECI to enquire about the reason behind the extension, an official clarified that details regarding land and connectivity are still being finalized.

The total capacity of 7.5 GW under the Request for Selection (RfS) has been divided into three packages of 2.5 GW each.

The package-A would be set up in the areas tentatively identified in the Zanskar sub-division and Tai Suru block of Kargil district. Packages B and C would be developed at the Hanley Khaldo area of Nyoma sub-division in the Leh district.

The brief scope of work includes developing the solar power projects along with setting up power transmission and evacuation infrastructure up to the delivery point.

The tender was first issued in January 2019.

SECI has also extended the bid submission deadline for 400 MW of renewable energy on a round-the-clock-basis.

The bids submission deadline has been extended from December 3, 2019, to February 20, 2020, while the tender opening event has been scheduled for February 25, 2020.

In October 2019, Mercom reported that the energy procured through these projects would be supplied to the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The SECI official told Mercom, “The bid submission date has been extended due to certain amendments and clarifications in the tender.”

Under this tender, solar, wind, and hybrid projects can be developed. Moreover, the renewable power installations can be further augmented with necessary energy storage systems as per the developer’s requirements to meet the criteria of supply of power during the peak hours. The bidder will also have the flexibility to choose the type of storage system to be installed like battery energy storage systems, pumped storage systems, mechanical and chemical systems.

Mismatch in load peak compared to solar or wind peak has been one of the disadvantages of renewables and also affects grid stability. This tender by SECI is a unique one and the first one for round-the-clock demand and a path breaker for renewable energy integration.

Recently, the Ministry of new and Renewable Energy issued a draft plan to supply round-the-clock (RTC) power from renewable (solar, wind, and hydro) projects, which will be complemented with power from thermal projects.

Image credit: EDF Renewables