SECI has concluded Tranche XXI solar plus storage auction

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), an Indian government owned renewable energy procurement agency, has successfully wrapped up its Tranche XXI auction for integrated solar projects. The auction awarded 1,200 MW of ISTS-connected solar capacity bundled with 600 MW/3,600 MWh energy storage systems. NLC India Renewables, an India-based renewable energy arm of NLC, bagged 600 MW at INR 3.12 per kWh tariff. RPIL Power Three, the PV projects unit of Rays Power Infra India-based, procured 300 MW at INR 3.13 per kWh, while Engie Energy India, the local subsidiary of France-based Engie energy developer, secured 200 MW at INR 3.12 per kWh. India-based renewable energy project developer Oriana Power has obtained 100 MW at INR 3.13 per kWh via bucket filling. These projects demand co-located 0.5 MW/3 MWh storage for each 1 MW solar capacity. Developers must commission them within 24 months from PPA date, extendable by 6 months. The agreements span 25 years with 19% to 30% annual capacity utilization factor requirements.