Petition for Adoption of tariff for 1200 MW Inter-State Transmission System connected Solar PV Power Projects with ESS (SECI-ISTS-XXI) – EQ
Summary:
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## Key Business Points
### 1. **Project Scale & Configuration**
| Component | Capacity |
|———–|———-|
| **Solar PV Power Projects** | 1200 MW (ISTS-connected) |
| **Energy Storage Systems (ESS)** | 600 MW power rating / 3600 MWh energy capacity |
| **Duration of storage** | 6 hours (3600 MWh ÷ 600 MW) |
> ✅ This is a **firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE)** project – solar paired with long-duration storage to supply power on demand, not just when the sun shines.
### 2. **Regulatory Framework**
The competitive bidding was conducted under the:
– **Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Firm and Dispatchable Power from Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Projects with Energy Storage Systems** dated **9th June 2023**, issued by the **Ministry of Power, Government of India**
### 3. **What SECI is Seeking from CERC (Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003)**
– **Section 63** allows CERC to **adopt tariff** discovered through a **transparent competitive bidding process** without going through the full tariff determination process under Section 62.
– SECI is asking CERC to **adopt the tariff** that emerged from the bidding process for this 1200 MW solar + storage project.
### 4. **Status of Proceedings (as of 16th April 2026)**
| Direction | Timeline |
|———–|———-|
| Petition **admitted** | – |
| Notice issued to Respondents (Engie Energy India & others) | – |
| Respondents to file replies | Within **2 weeks** (by ~30th April 2026) |
| SECI to file rejoinder | Within 2 weeks after replies |
| **Next hearing** | **7th May 2026** |
### 5. **Why This Matters to Businesses**
| Stakeholder | Relevance |
|————-|———–|
| **RE developers** | Sets benchmark for **solar + storage tariff** in India; indicates viability of FDRE projects |
| **Battery storage providers** | 3600 MWh requirement – large-scale storage opportunity |
| **DISCOMs / open access consumers** | Firm renewable power procurement options |
| **Investors / lenders** | Tariff adoption by CERC provides regulatory certainty |
| **Other bidders in SECI tenders** | Outcome may influence future bidding strategies |
### 6. **Key Implications for the Renewable Energy Sector**
| Aspect | Implication |
|——–|————-|
| **Tariff discovery** | Adopted tariff will become a **reference** for future solar + storage bids |
| **Dispatchability** | 6-hour storage makes solar power available during evening/night peaks – **replaces thermal power** |
| **ISTS connectivity** | Projects located in high-solar-resource states, power transmitted across states |
| **PPA bankability** | CERC adoption under Section 63 strengthens **lender confidence** |
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## Background on Section 63 Adoption
Under the Electricity Act, 2003:
| Section | Process |
|———|———|
| **Section 62** | CERC determines tariff based on cost-plus principles |
| **Section 63** | CERC **adopts** tariff discovered through **competitive bidding** – faster, market-driven |
> ✅ SECI has successfully used Section 63 for numerous solar, wind, hybrid, and FDRE projects.
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