SECI Awards 1.2 GW RTC Renewable Tender To Hero, Hexa, Semcorp, Jindal & ABC Cleantech

Solar Energy Corporation of India has now awarded its 1.2 GW round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy tender to five developers—Hero Solar Energy, Hexa Climate Solutions, Sembcorp Green Infra, Jindal India Power, and ABC Cleantech. SECI allocated 420 MW capacity out of its 1.2 GW round-the-clock (RTC) tender.

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SECI floated the tender for this project in November 2024 and concluded it after six months, with Hero Solar and Hexa Climate securing the lowest tariffs at ₹5.06/kWh for 120 MW and 100 MW, respectively. Sembcorp and Jindal India Power won 50 MW and 150 MW at ₹5.07/kWh, while ABC Cleantech secured 120 MW at ₹5.08/kWh.

Winners Of SECI's 1.2 GW RTC Renewable Tender

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RTC Project Makes a Comeback

SECI's latest round-the-clock (RTC) tender marks a revival of interest in RTC projects after a period during which firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) gained traction due to the rising demand for on-demand power. RTC tenders were first introduced in 2019, with ReNew Solar Power securing a 400 MW project at ₹2.90/kWh. Since then, FDRE projects have taken center stage.

The most recent RTC tender before this was awarded by the Railway Energy Management Company Ltd (REMCL) in 2023 at ₹4.10/kWh. REMCL, a joint venture of Indian Railways and RITES, had awarded 300 MW to Ayana Renewable Power, 500 MW to NTPC, and 60 MW to O2 Power. Before that in 2020, Hindustan Thermal Projects won a 250 MW RTC II project at Rs. 3.01/kWh. Thus, the latest tariff, ranging between ₹5.06/kWh and ₹5.08/kWh, is higher than those discovered in previous RTC tenders.

About The Project

According to the SECI's RTC tender guidelines, “The RE Power Developer (RPD) would be responsible for setting up ISTS-connected RE Power Project(s), including the transmission network up to the Interconnection/Delivery Point(s), with the primary objective of supplying RE power to SECI at the developer’s own cost. The bidder will also be responsible for land identification, project installation and ownership, and obtaining connectivity, necessary approvals, and interconnection with the ISTS network, STU, or InSTS network (as applicable) for power supply to SECI. For STU interconnection, the RPD may install the Project in the same State where the Buying Entity is located.”