The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) issued a landmark request for selection (RfS) on June 19, 2025, inviting developers to build 1,200 MW of ISTS-connected solar PV capacity coupled with 600 MW/3,600 MWh of energy storage systems (ESS) on a Build‑Own‑Operate (BOO) basis. This hybrid tender aims to deliver firm power during 6 hours of peak demand—from 6 PM to 9 AM the following morning—for 25 years.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,200 MW solar + 600 MW / 3,600 MWh ESS |
| Module Utilization Factor (CUF) | 19–30% |
| Geography | PAN India locations, ISTS-connected |
| Bid Size | 50–600 MW per bidder |
| ESS Minimum | 0.5 MW solar must include 3 MWh storage |
| Peak Supply Requirement | 6 hours between 6 PM–9 AM, at least 1 continuous hour |
| Energy Delivery | ≥3,000 kWh per MW during peak hours daily |
| PPA & Model | 25-year BOO agreement |
| Commissioning | Within 24 months; project finance closing 6 months prior |
| Shortfall Penalty | 1.5× tariff if project falls short for >70% of required supply |
| Tariff Format | INR/kWh, awarded at L1 + 2% margin |
This tender builds upon two prior hybrid tenders from SECI:
- March 2024: 1.2 GW solar + 1.2 GWh ESS
- August 2024: 2 GW solar + 4 GWh ESS
Strategic Implications
- 6-Hour Peak Energy Assurance
The tender mandates six hours of assured discharge—critical for evening demand and grid stability. The fixed life-of-the-contract requirement ensures dispatch reliability and supports renewable penetration without reliance on thermal backup
- Scale & Location Flexibility
With a wide 50–600 MW bidding range and developer-selected locations, this tender encourages diverse project sizes across geographies, unlocking wind-solar-storage synergies.
What Lies Ahead
- Bid Deadline: August 18, 2025
- Expected Impact: Once commissioned by mid-2027, these projects could deliver up to 21.6 GWh of clean dispatchable energy annually during peak hours.
- Market Significance: Completion of this tender will eclipse current hybrid deployment (~1.2 GWh) and signal large-scale hybridization across India
Recent Tenders
This tender comes alongside other vital developments:
- Tamil Nadu’s 1 GWh BESS auction, offering insights into state-level storage integration
- NVVN’s record-breaking storage tariff in Rajasthan (~₹2.21 L/MW/month)
