The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has successfully auctioned 2 GW of Inter-State Transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind projects under Tranche III. ReNew Power has won the bid to develop 400 MW of wind power projects by quoting the lowest tariff of ₹2.44 (~$0.038)/kWh in the auction.

ReNew Power’s bid was just one notch lower than the lowest-ever wind tariff of ₹2.43/kWh quoted in India so far. In all, four bidders quoted a tariff of ₹2.44 (~$0.038)/kWh, while four others quoted a tariff of ₹2.45 (~$0.038)/kWh.

The tariffs quoted in the auction ranged between a low of ₹2.44 (~$0.038)/kWh and a high of ₹2.65 (~$0.04)/kWh. This trend demonstrates that the developers of wind projects have no issues with the ongoing range of wind tariffs and think these tariff levels are sustainable, which is good news for the distribution companies (DISCOMs) and the consumers.

Green Infra Wind Energy and Inox Wind quoted ₹2.44 (~$0.038)/kWh to develop 300 MW. Torrent Power also quoted a tariff of ₹2.44 (~$0.038)/kWh to develop 499.80 MW.

Adani Green Energy quoted ₹2.45 (~$0.038)/kWh to develop 250 MW, Alfanar Company quoted ₹2.45 (~$0.038)/kWh to develop 300 MW, Betam Wind Energy quoted ₹2.45 (~$0.038)/kWh to develop 250 MW.

A SECI official confirmed the culmination of 2 GW Tranche III wind auction to Mercom. When asked to give the details about the auction (who will be awarded what capacity), the SECI official said, “Other than Betam Wind Energy, all the winners will be awarded the respective capacities they have bid for.”

As Betam was the last successful bidder in the auction, it will be awarded a capacity of 50.20 MW to develop. If they do not wish to develop this capacity, the SECI will go ahead with the implementation of the remaining 1949.80 MW.

Speaking to Mercom, another SECI official said, “We are pleased with the tariffs quoted. After the successive auctions, tariffs (wind) are stabilizing around ₹2.50 (~$0.039)/kWh mark, it’s a win-win. This shows that the next wind auction for another 2 GW will see frenetic action.”

“Wind auctions are beginning to consistently come in at tariffs that are comparable to the lowest solar tariff (₹2.44 (~$0.037)/kWh quoted in the Bhadla Solar auction). Wind projects are starting to look attractive again for DISCOMs considering these tariffs do not have the uncertainty of safeguard and anti-dumping duties like solar. Some of the renewable developers who are active in both wind and solar might also start favoring wind as risks continue to mount in the solar sector,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.

“Just like solar we need to wait and see if these projects are viable at these low tariff levels,” he added.

Mercom had predicted this auction to be a success with tariffs around ₹2.60 (~$0.04)/kWh. The capacity being auctioned is massive, and there is enough space for all the major players to compete.