New Delhi: India’s renewable energy push gained significant momentum after the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) awarded more than 11 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity across multiple auction tranches under its Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) framework.
The awards span solar, solar-plus-battery storage, wind, hybrid renewable energy, firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE), and manufacturing-linked solar projects, underscoring the growing sophistication and scale of India’s clean energy market.
SECI said the auctions saw intense competition and aggressive tariff discovery, signaling sustained investor confidence in India’s renewable sector. The agency clarified that a trading margin of ₹0.07 per kilowatt-hour will be applied over and above the discovered tariffs across all schemes.
Solar and Storage Auctions Drive Competitive Pricing
Under the ISTS Tranche-XXI Solar + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) auction, 1,200 MW was awarded at tariffs between ₹3.12 and ₹3.13 per unit. Key winners included NLC India Renewables Limited, Engie Energy India, RPIL Power Three, and Oriana Power. These projects are designed to deliver solar power with additional peak-hour support, enhancing grid reliability.
In the ISTS Tranche-XX Solar + BESS auction, SECI allocated 2,000 MW at even lower tariffs of ₹2.86–2.87 per unit. Successful bidders included Welspun Renewable Energy, Shivalaya Construction, Purvah Green Power, and SAEL Industries. Developers under this scheme are required to supply additional power during evening peak hours.
Manufacturing-Linked and Hybrid Projects Gain Traction
SECI also awarded 2,366 MW under its manufacturing-linked solar scheme, with tariffs dropping as low as ₹2.42 per unit. Major winners included Azure Power India and Adani Green Energy Four Limited, supporting India’s efforts to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing alongside capacity expansion.
In the hybrid renewable energy segment, 1,800 MW was awarded under Hybrid Tranche-VIII and IX at tariffs ranging from ₹3.25 to ₹3.46 per unit. Developers included JSW Neo Energy, ACME Solar Holdings, Juniper Green Energy, AMPIN Energy Utility, and Avaada Energy.
Wind and Firm Power Strengthen Grid Reliability
The ISTS Wind Tranche-XIX auction saw 1,200 MW awarded at tariffs between ₹3.67 and ₹3.69 per unit, with winners including KP Energy, Waaree Forever Energies, and Vena Energy Aura.
Meanwhile, the FDRE segment recorded higher tariffs—between ₹6.27 and ₹8.10 per unit—reflecting guaranteed round-the-clock supply obligations. Projects were secured by Serentica Renewables, ACME Solar Holdings, and Adyant Enersol.
A Shift Toward Reliability-Focused Renewables
Industry analysts say the results highlight a clear transition in India’s renewable strategy—from pure capacity addition to reliability-driven deployment using storage, hybrid systems, and firm power contracts.
With over 11 GW awarded in a single round of auctions, SECI continues to play a central role in advancing India’s ambition to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030, while reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most cost-competitive renewable energy markets.