Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Established in 2011 for the implementation of the National Solar Mission, SECI’s mandate today spans the full spectrum of renewable energy project facilitation, development, and power trading across India.
SECI operates as a designated Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) for MNRE schemes and functions as a Category-I (highest) power trading licensee under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
SECI’s Institutional Functions:
· Competitive Bidding for Renewable Energy Projects: SECI conducts tariff-based reverse bidding for grid-connected solar,
wind, hybrid, round-the-clock (RTC), and Firm and Dispatchable Renewable
Energy (FDRE) projects. As of May 1, 2025, the Solar Energy Corporation
of India (SECI) has awarded over 73.8 GW of renewable energy
capacity, comprising 45.9 GW of solar, 16.4 GW of wind,
and 11.5 GW of hybrid projects. Projects are tendered under
centrally notified schemes / guidelines and aligned with MNRE’s bidding
trajectories.
· Power Procurement and Trading: SECI signs long-term Power Purchase
Agreements (PPAs) with developers and back-to-back Power Sale Agreements
(PSAs) with state DISCOMs/ Final off takers. Its role as an intermediary
procurer ensures tariff transparency, payment security, and efficient price
discovery.
· Development of Projects Under Own Investment: Beyond its facilitation role, SECI directly invests in renewable projects under EPC mode. Operational capacity under SECI's ownership (as of 1st May 2025) stands at 122.7 MW, with an additional 425 MW under construction and 900 MW under tendering. (The Corporation targets 10 GW of own projects to be awarded by 2030.)
· Energy Storage, Green Hydrogen, and Offshore Wind: SECI is the designated implementing agency for green hydrogen and ammonia procurement, offshore wind leasing, and utility-scale battery energy storage projects. Ongoing tenders include 4 GW seabed leasing off Tamil Nadu, and projects under the SIGHT scheme for hydrogen and electrolyser capacity.
· Consultancy and Projects Management for Other Government Entities: SECI undertakes Project Management Consultancy (PMC) for other public sector organisations and state agencies, covering feasibility studies, bid process management, monitoring, verification, and disbursement of Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Over 350 MW of PMC-based capacity has been commissioned to date.
· Implementation of Special Programmes and Regional Models: SECI plays a key role in schemes targeting difficult geographies and system-specific interventions:
· Greening of Islands (e.g., Lakshadweep, A&N Islands)
· High-altitude grid-linked capacity (e.g., 5 GW proposed in Ladakh)
· Integration of BESS with solar in transmission-constrained regions