SECI amends 2 GW solar tender for state-run power generators

Micro and mini grid-connected projects will also be considered. Further, SECI has notified waiver of ISTS charges and losses and 6-month extension in the commissioning date.

July 19, 2019 Uma Gupta

Bidding for 2 GW solar with VGF support closes on July 24.

Image: NTPC

In March, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) had invited bids for setting up of 2 GW of grid-connected solar PV projects with viability gap funding (VGF) support. The projects, to be developed on ‘build, own, operate’ basis, can be located anywhere in India for self-use or use by government entities at maximum fixed tariffs of Rs 3.50/kWh.

In the latest amendments to the tender—second in line—SECI has clarified that grid-connected projects would also include micro and mini projects.

Waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges and losses, for use of ISTS network, shall be available to projects set up under the CPSU Phase-II Scheme. The scheme allows setting up of solar PV power plants for supplying auxiliary power for a power generation plant.

SECI has also extended the scheduled commissioning date (SCD) for the full project capacity from 18 months to 24 months from the date of issuance of Letter of Award. The maximum time allowed is 30 months.

In case of delay beyond the SCD until 30 months from the issuance of Letter of Award, the amount of VGF sanctioned to be the project shall be reduced by 0.15%, on per day basis, for the period of such delay, and proportionate to the capacity delayed or not commissioned.

While a single VGF shall be quoted by the bidder based on the cumulative project capacity applied for, VGF will be released separately for each project as per the final project configuration declared by the developer. Accordingly, for each individual project, the second tranche of VGF will be disbursed to the developer only upon successful commissioning of the full capacity of that individual project.

In the previous amendment to the tender, SECI notified that a single bidder shall be allocated minimum capacity of 1 MW and maximum 2 GW. The projects may be implemented as ground-mounted, rooftop-mounted, floating, canal top/canal bank, etc or a combination thereof.

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