Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has floated a Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of a 10 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) project integrated with a 10 MW/20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Odisha.
The project forms part of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) initiative to achieve 100% solarization of the Konark Sun Temple and Konark town. The inclusion of battery storage aims to ensure reliable power supply during peak demand hours and enhance grid stability.
The project will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. SECI will function as the intermediary power procurer and will sell the generated electricity to GRIDCO Limited. The selected developer will enter into a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), providing long-term revenue visibility.
The bidding process will follow a single-stage, two-envelope system, followed by an e-reverse auction. Bidders will compete based on either the lowest Viability Gap Funding (VGF) requirement or the lowest discounted tariff. The maximum tariff under the scheme has been capped at ₹2.70 per kWh, while VGF support is limited to ₹1 crore per MW.
Under the project scope, the developer will be responsible for land identification, installation of the solar plant and BESS, and arranging grid connectivity with the State Transmission Utility (STU). Although land has been identified in Junagarh in Kalahandi district by the Government of Odisha, developers may select any suitable site within the state.
To ensure reliable energy supply, the selected developer must supply 20,000 kWh daily during peak hours for the 10 MW capacity. Peak hours are defined as two hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM the following day, as scheduled by the buying entity. The battery system will enable shifting of daytime solar generation to evening and night-time peak periods.
The RfS was issued on February 17, 2026, and bids must be submitted through the ISN-ETS portal within the stipulated timeline. Bidders are required to furnish an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1.425 crore in the form of a Bank Guarantee, Letter of Undertaking, or Surety Bond.
Successful bidders must submit a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of ₹56.25 lakh prior to signing the PPA. Additionally, a non-refundable RfS document fee of ₹50,000 plus GST and a bid processing fee of ₹2 lakh plus GST are applicable.
Following PPA effectiveness, the developer must apply for grid connectivity within 30 days. The project must be commissioned within 13 months from the PPA’s effective date. Delays beyond the Scheduled Commissioning Date may result in penalties, including encashment of the PBG and tariff reductions if the delay exceeds three months.
The initiative underscores the government’s push toward integrating solar power with energy storage to deliver round-the-clock renewable energy while supporting heritage destinations such as Konark with clean and dependable electricity.
