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SECI Cancels Two Offshore Wind Energy Tenders Due to Lack of Developer Interest

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has cancelled two major offshore wind energy tenders—a 500 MW project under the viability gap funding (VGF) scheme and a 4,000 MW sea-bed lease rights allocation—citing insufficient response from developers.

The 500 MW inter-state transmission system-connected project, planned off the coast of Gujarat, was to be developed on a build-own-operate basis, with SECI entering into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the winning bidder. The developer would also have been responsible for seabed surveys and associated development work to validate available datasets before achieving financial closure. Issued in September last year, the tender’s final offline bid submission date was August 4, 2025.

Sources indicate that while the initiative was India’s first large-scale attempt at offshore wind, it struggled to attract bids due to the sector’s complexity and high capital requirements. “The idea is not off,” a person familiar with the matter said, adding that SECI may reissue a revised tender with possible changes to attract more participation.

The lack of response highlights the challenges India faces in kickstarting its offshore wind segment, despite its significant renewable energy ambitions. Offshore wind remains a relatively new and technologically demanding field for the country, requiring extensive investment and specialised expertise.