Multiple Companies Secure Contracts in the Recent SECI Auction, Setting the Stage for Significant Wind Energy Expansion
In the recent auction organized by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), multiple companies have emerged as winners for the development of 1.2 GW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind power projects. One of the successful bidders is Green Prairie Energy, a special-purpose vehicle of EverGreen Power, which secured a contract for 190 MW with a tariff of ₹3.18. Apraava Energy and SJVN Green Energy also won bids, obtaining 300 MW and 200 MW respectively, both quoting a tariff of ₹3.24 ($0.039) per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Torrent Power successfully acquired 150 MW by quoting a tariff of ₹3.30. Another bidder, Dhaani Renewables, a special-purpose vehicle of Bluepine Energy, secured 300 MW at a tariff of ₹3.36 ($0.041)/kWh. Additionally, Avaada Energy won 60 MW out of the total quoted capacity of 100 MW through the bucket-filling method, with a tariff of ₹3.47 (~$0.042)/kWh.
The tender for these wind power projects was initiated in February of this year. The auction specified that the wind project developers would be responsible for procuring the necessary land for the project setup.
To ensure the quality of the projects, only certified wind turbine models listed in the ‘Revised List of Models and Manufacturers’ issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will be allowed for deployment under this program.
Furthermore, the wind developers are required to maintain an annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) of at least 22%. They are expected to sustain generation levels throughout the 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) period to achieve an annual CUF of at least 80% of the declared value, with a cap of 120% of the declared CUF