Bid Extensions the new norm at SECI?

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced another extension in bid submission deadline for its mega solar power 10 GW of ISTS connected solar PV power projects linked with 3 GW (per annum) solar manufacturing, for a third time.

“The last date of bid submission is hereby extended till 12.11.2018 (18:00 HRS). The techno-commercial bid opening shall be carried out w.e.f. 11:00 HRS on 13.11.2018,” the statement read. The RfS (Request for Selection) for interested bidders for 10 GW solar capacities was floated in May this year. With the initial bid submission deadline set for August 27^th, 2018. Later extended to September 27^th, 2018 and then to October 12^th, 2018. This now (Nov 12^th) is the fourth new deadline for SECIs largest and most ambitious project, yet.

“The bids for the auction were extended again and again due to technical and commercial issues raised by the bidders. Now, the ministry is in the process to make the tendering process glitch free,” a source said.

Last month, we reported that linked to a 10 GW Power Purchasing Agreement, SECI amended its tender for a 5 GW solar component manufacturing tender to 3 GW manufacturing. The minimum manufacturing tender capacity was also reduced to 600MW from the previous 1 GW after holding discussions with the bidders. Developers were also guaranteed PPAs of 2,000 MW for a manufacturing capacity of 600 MW, while reducing the maximum tariff payable to developers from Rs. 2.93 to Rs. 2.75 (excluding safeguard tariffs), the total power projects awarded remained at 10 GW.

In the last three days (9^th Oct-11^th Oct), SECI has extended bid submission deadlines for three other projects.

First, the setting up of 150 MW (50 MW x 3) of grid connected floating solar power plants at Rihand Dam, UP. The project tendered back in April has had its deadline extended for the second time to October 25^th, 2018.

Second, setting up of 160 Wind-Solar Hybrid project with BESS at Ramagiri, AP. The deadline extended from 10^th October to 17^th October, 2018. And finally, extension in bid submission deadline for a third time for setting up of 2 MW solar plant with BESS at Kaza, Spiti Valley till October 25^th, 2018 as the board struggles to closing out renewable tenders in sensitive locations.