- The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a tender for a 500-MW wind power project off Gujarat’s coast. Bids are due by December 12.
- The project, spanning 202 square kilometres in the Gulf of Khambhat, will operate under a 25-year power purchase agreement and is eligible for central viability gap funding.
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a state-owned entity, recently issued a tender for developing a 500-MW wind power project off the coast of Gujarat. This initiative marks a significant step in India’s efforts to enhance its renewable energy capacity, particularly in offshore wind energy, which is gaining momentum in the country.
According to the tender document, bids for the project are due by December 12, with pre-bid meetings set for October 22. The ambitious project is expected to be completed within 48 months from the commencement of work. Interested bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of INR 3.7 million (approximately $44,000) per MW, ensuring that only serious contenders participate in the bidding process.
SECI plans to enter a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the successful bidder. Notably, SECI will not take ownership of the project once the PPA expires, allowing the winning bidder to maintain control over the assets. The designated project area spans 202 square kilometres in the Gulf of Khambhat, which provides a promising location for harnessing wind energy due to favourable wind conditions.
The power generated from this wind project will be sold to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, acting on behalf of the state’s distribution companies. SECI will serve as the intermediary agency, facilitating the transaction and ensuring the generated power reaches consumers effectively. The project is also eligible for central financial assistance through viability gap funding to support renewable energy projects and enhance their economic viability.
SECI operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), tasked with promoting renewable energy projects across India. The MNRE is responsible for overseeing offshore wind energy development within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coordinating efforts among various government entities to ensure the smooth progress of initiatives like this.
This 500-MW wind power project aims to bolster Gujarat’s renewable energy portfolio and aligns with India’s broader goals of achieving energy security and reducing carbon emissions. Investing in offshore wind energy, the government seeks to tap into one of the country’s vast renewable resources, furthering its commitment to sustainable development and clean energy. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for future offshore wind initiatives across India.