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SECI Awards 1.2 GW Solar Projects with 3.6 GWh Storage to Engie, NLC, Rays Power Infra and Oriana Power
Jan 12, 2026
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has concluded its auction for 1,200 MW of ISTS-connected solar photovoltaic projects integrated with a 600 MW/3,600 MWh energy storage system (ESS), discovering a lowest tariff of Rs 3.12 per kWh. The tender marks India’s first solar auction featuring a six-hour duration energy storage component.
Engie Energy India, NLC India Renewables, Rays Power Infra (RPIL Power Three) and Oriana Power have emerged as the successful bidders in the auction.
Under the results, Engie Energy India secured 200 MW and NLC India Renewables won 600 MW, both at a tariff of Rs 3.12/kWh. RPIL Power Three was awarded 300 MW at a tariff of Rs 3.13/kWh, while Oriana Power received 100 MW out of its quoted 300 MW capacity at the same tariff of Rs 3.13/kWh, through the bucket-filling method.
The tender was issued by SECI in June 2025. The scope of work includes the development of solar power projects integrated with co-located energy storage systems, covering land acquisition, end-to-end project execution, and the establishment of interconnections with the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) or state transmission networks.
Developers are free to select project locations at their own cost, risk, and responsibility. The projects are required to be commissioned within 24 months from the effective date of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), with a grace period of six months permitted in case of delays. The PPA will remain valid for 25 years.
As per the tender conditions, developers must install a minimum ESS capacity of 0.5 MW/3 MWh for every 1 MW of solar capacity. SECI clarified that energy storage systems charged using sources other than solar power will not be considered as solar generation. The tender further stated that the ESS may be owned by the Solar Power Developer (SPD) or contracted separately through a third party for power supply.
The tender also mandates the use of solar PV modules and cells listed under ALMM List-I and ALMM List-II, respectively, ensuring compliance with domestic manufacturing and quality requirements.