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SECI Launches 1 GW Tender to Procure Surplus Power from Operational Renewable Projects

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a new tender inviting bids from renewable power developers (RPDs) to procure up to 1,000 MW of surplus electricity from operational renewable energy projects that already have power purchase agreements (PPAs). The procurement will take place under the SECI-FDRE-VIII scheme and will focus exclusively on solar generation hours on a medium-term, fixed-tariff basis for 12 years.

The initiative is aimed at addressing a persistent challenge faced by developers supplying firm and round-the-clock renewable energy, where project oversizing often results in uncontracted excess power that inflates tariffs. Through this mechanism, SECI intends to aggregate and purchase such surplus generation at predetermined tariffs, offering developers a structured offtake solution.

Commenting on the tender, Pratik Prasun, Deputy General Manager (Contracts & Procurement), SECI, noted in a social media post that the current scope of the scheme is limited to existing PPA holders, given buyer preparedness requirements. He added that the outcome of the tender could pave the way for expanding the model into a broader market segment in the future.

As part of the eligibility criteria, participating RPDs must have ISTS-connected renewable energy projects integrated with energy storage systems (ESS). The projects must supply power under their existing PPAs, with any additional surplus energy contracted to SECI. The scope of work includes development of transmission infrastructure up to the designated delivery point.

Bidders are required to purchase the Request for Selection (RfS) document at a cost of Rs 50,000 plus GST. A bid processing fee of Rs 20,000 per MW, capped at Rs 20 lakh, is applicable. An earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 9.54 lakh per MW must be submitted, while successful bidders will need to furnish a performance bank guarantee (PBG) of Rs 23.85 lakh per MW prior to signing the power purchase agreement.

The deadline for online bid submission is January 30, 2026, with techno-commercial bids scheduled to be opened on February 4, 2026. Developers must submit a single bid for a minimum cumulative capacity of 50 MW, with an upper limit of 500 MW.

Land acquisition, project ownership, statutory approvals, grid connectivity, and interconnection with the ISTS, STU, or InSTS networks for surplus power supply will fall within the responsibility of the developer.

Energy storage is a mandatory component of projects selected under the scheme. SECI clarified in the RfS that only renewable-charged ESS will qualify, and storage assets may either be owned by the developer or contracted through a third party.

Developers must ensure that surplus energy is supplied only during solar generation hours, with a minimum daily delivery of 1.5 MWh per MW of contracted capacity. All energy offered under the scheme must be 100% renewable on an annual basis.

For technology compliance, wind projects must deploy ALMM-listed turbine models, while solar installations must use modules and cells listed under ALMM List-I and List-II. Bidders are also required to install and operate GPS-enabled automatic weather stations.

On the financial front, bidders must demonstrate a minimum net worth of Rs 95.40 lakh per MW of quoted capacity. Additional eligibility pathways include a minimum annual turnover of Rs 16.64 lakh per MW, PBDIT of at least Rs 3.33 lakh per MW, or an in-principle line of credit of Rs 4.16 lakh per MW from recognized financial institutions to meet working capital requirements.