Renewable Energy Sector Sees Robust Activity in October with Over 11 GW in Tenders Issued

October saw significant momentum in India's renewable energy sector, with the release of 16 new tenders totaling 11,098 MW in clean energy capacity. This surge in activity also included the allocation of 6,316 MW of renewable energy capacity to various developers, signaling a strong push towards expanding the country’s green energy infrastructure.

India’s total renewable energy capacity, including large hydro, surpassed the 200 GW milestone in October, contributing to a total electricity generation capacity of 452.69 GW, with renewables accounting for over 202 GW. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka continued to lead in installed renewable capacity.

In terms of specific projects, Requests for Selection (RFS) issued in October amounted to 6,802 MW. Key projects included NHPC’s 1,200 MW ISTS-connected solar tender and SECI’s 1,200 MW round-the-clock (RTC) power tender for ISTS-connected renewable energy. NTPC introduced a 1,200 MW wind-solar hybrid tender with a “greenshoe option” for an additional 600 MW, as well as a 1,200 MW firm and dispatchable power (FDRE-II) tender for ensuring peak power supply from ISTS-connected renewables, according to JMK Research & Analytics.

Additionally, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) issued a draft tender for standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a capacity of 1,600 MWh (200 MW for 8 hours) in Gujarat. Developers will be responsible for building, owning, and operating these BESS, which will connect to the state grid to provide on-demand energy storage. The minimum bid size for developers is 400 MWh (50 MW for 8 hours), with incremental bids in multiples of 50 MW/400 MWh.

On the auction front, Avaada Energy led with the highest capacity of 1,090 MW, while JSW Energy and Adani secured 600 MW each.

Renewable energy generation in October totaled 14,012.73 million units (MU), representing a 25% decline from September. Solar energy generation increased by 2%, while wind energy saw a sharp drop of 68% month-on-month.

HBL