The Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has discovered a lowest tariff of INR 5.25 ($0.055)/kWh in its tender to procure 1 GW of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) on a round-the-clock (RTC) basis from ISTS-connected renewable energy projects.

Kengeri Prime Solar (180 MW), Resolven Four Energy (150 MW), Hexa Climate Solutions (150 MW), Hero Solar Energy (120 MW), EMIF II Holding (100 MW), and Purvah Green Power (70 MW) quoted the lowest tariff of INR 5.25/kWh. SECI awarded the remaining capacity to Juniper Green at INR 5.26/kWh.

The tender requires developers to set up renewable energy projects backed by energy storage systems (ESS) on a build-own-operate basis and supply firm power under 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with SECI. SECI will sell the procured power to buying entities across India.

The procurement is based on contracted power capacity (MW). Renewable power developers (RPDs) must supply electricity on a round-the-clock basis while maintaining a minimum demand fulfillment ratio (DFR) of 90% during peak hours and 80% during off-peak hours. The off-peak requirement may be relaxed to 70% for any two calendar months between July and September. The annual DFR must remain at 90%.

These requirements are intended to ensure that renewable energy projects mimic the operational profile of conventional thermal power plants by delivering firm, round-the-clock power with high availability.