The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) provided an update on the power available for sale, outlining various projects, tariffs, and terms for developers under different schemes. SECI’s initiatives continue to support India’s renewable energy goals, focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid energy systems integrated with energy storage solutions.
Several developers, including Azure Power India, Adani Green Energy, NTPC Renewable Energy, and Avaada Energy, have projects under development, ranging in capacity from 50 MW to 2000 MW. The tariffs for these projects, discovered through electronic reverse auctions (e-RAs), vary significantly. For instance, Azure Power India secured tariffs as low as ₹2.54/kWh for a 300 MW project and ₹2.57/kWh for larger capacities. Other developers like AMP Energy Green and ReNew Vikram Shakti bid higher tariffs, reaching up to ₹4.69/kWh for specific projects with unique attributes such as higher capacity utilization factors (CUF).
SECI’s schemes emphasize innovative features, including hybrid wind-solar power systems, dispatchable renewable energy, and energy storage integration. One notable initiative is a 1200 MW solar PV project paired with a 600 MW/1200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This project mandates supply during peak evening hours from 6 PM to midnight, with penalties for non-compliance with peak and non-peak hour supply requirements. Such structures aim to ensure reliability and address challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy supply.
The schemes also encourage a balanced mix of energy sources and flexibility in supply schedules. Some developers offer energy with CUFs exceeding 70%, while others provide assured peak-hour power. Penalties are strictly enforced for shortfalls in delivery, non-compliance with CUF norms, or unauthorized third-party sales. For instance, non-compliance with minimum supply levels during peak hours attracts penalties of 1.5 times the agreed tariff or higher market rates.
Additionally, SECI’s trading margin of ₹0.07/kWh is applied to all power sales, ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining competitive tariffs. The focus on long-term fixed tariffs, extending up to 25 years in some cases, provides predictability and supports the financial viability of renewable energy projects.
These developments highlight SECI’s commitment to advancing India’s renewable energy landscape by fostering competitive pricing, introducing accountability measures, and integrating advanced technologies like energy storage. The agency’s ongoing efforts align with national targets to enhance renewable energy capacity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to global climate goals.
