The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has discovered a lowest tariff of INR 5.25/kWh in its tender for procuring 1 GW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) on a round-the-clock (RTC) basis. The tender covers renewable energy projects connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and supported by energy storage.
The INR 5.25/kWh tariff was offered for projects from Kengeri Prime Solar (180 MW), Resolven Four Energy (150 MW), Hexa Climate Solutions (150 MW), Hero Solar Energy (120 MW), EMIF II Holding (100 MW), and Purvah Green Power (70 MW). The remaining capacity was awarded to Juniper Green at a tariff of INR 5.26/kWh.
Under the tender, selected renewable power developers will develop and operate projects equipped with energy storage systems (ESS) under a build-own-operate model. The electricity will be supplied to SECI through 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs), with SECI subsequently supplying the procured power to buyers across India.
The tender is structured around contracted power capacity, requiring developers to provide electricity on a round-the-clock basis. Projects must maintain a minimum Demand Fulfilment Ratio (DFR) of 90% during peak hours and 80% during off-peak hours. The off-peak requirement can be relaxed to 70% for any two calendar months between July and September, while the annual DFR must remain at 90%.
The FDRE framework is designed to make renewable power more reliable and predictable by combining renewable generation with energy storage. By requiring high availability throughout the day, the projects are expected to provide firm power comparable to conventional generation while supporting India’s transition towards a more flexible and reliable renewable-based electricity system.
