ENGIE, NLC India, Rays Power Among Winners of SECI's 1.2 GW Solar Plus 3.6 GWh Storage Auction
SECI has awarded its Tranche XXI auction for 1,200 MW solar projects with 3,600 MWh storage to four companies at competitive tariffs of ₹3.12-3.13/kWh. NLC India Renewables won the largest share with 600 MW, followed by RPIL Power Three (300 MW), Engie Energy India (200 MW), and Oriana Power (100 MW). The projects must be commissioned within 24 months and operate under 25-year PPAs with specific peak-hour delivery requirements.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has successfully concluded its Tranche XXI auction, awarding contracts for 1,200 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects integrated with 600 MW/3,600 MWh energy storage systems (ESS) to four companies. The tender, which was floated in June 2025, attracted competitive bids with tariffs ranging between ₹3.12 and ₹3.13 per kWh.
Auction Results and Winners
The auction results demonstrate strong participation from established renewable energy players, with capacity allocation varying significantly among winners.
| Company | Capacity Won (MW) | Quoted Tariff (₹/kWh) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLC India Renewables | 600 | 3.12 | $0.0346 |
| RPIL Power Three (Rays Power Infra) | 300 | 3.13 | $0.0347 |
| Engie Energy India | 200 | 3.12 | $0.0346 |
| Oriana Power | 100 | 3.13 | $0.0347 |
NLC India Renewables emerged as the largest winner, securing 600 MW capacity, while Oriana Power won 100 MW under the bucket-filling method despite quoting for 300 MW.
Project Requirements and Specifications
The awarded projects come with comprehensive technical and operational requirements designed to ensure reliable power delivery during peak demand periods. Each project must be co-located with energy storage systems, with the ESS physically situated at the solar project sites. The minimum ESS requirement is set at 0.5 MW/3 MWh for each 1 MW of project capacity.
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Commissioning Timeline | 24 months from PPA effective date |
| Additional Delay Window | 6 months |
| PPA Tenure | 25 years |
| Annual Capacity Utilization Factor | 19% to 30% |
| Peak Hour Energy Delivery | 3,000 kWh per MW capacity |
| Minimum Continuous Supply | 1 hour |
The projects must maintain an annual capacity utilization factor between 19% and 30%, with the buying entity purchasing power for 6 hours during peak hours from 6 PM to 9 AM of the subsequent day.
Operational Flexibility and Compliance
Winners have been granted significant operational flexibility while maintaining strict compliance requirements. The ESS technology can be changed at any time during the power purchase agreement period, and projects can be set up with any storage technology in any location in India, provided ISTS connectivity is ensured.
The projects must use modules meeting domestic content requirements and adhere to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. Winners can supply up to 5% of their annual energy from power exchanges and bilateral agreements, providing additional revenue optimization opportunities.
Industry Context
This auction follows SECI's continued focus on solar-plus-storage projects, building on the success of previous tenders. In October 2025, eleven companies won SECI's Tranche XX auction to set up 2 GW of ISTS-connected solar projects along with 1 GW/4 GWh ESS, indicating strong market momentum for integrated renewable energy solutions.
The competitive tariffs achieved in this auction reflect the maturing solar-plus-storage market in India and the increasing cost-effectiveness of energy storage technologies. The projects are expected to contribute significantly to India's renewable energy capacity and grid stability objectives.
Historical Stock Returns for Shipping Corporation of India
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.45% | -6.42% | -4.02% | -4.92% | +3.55% | +143.88% |
















































