SECI Marks 15 Years as India's Renewable Energy Capacity Crosses 200 GW

NEW DELHI, The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has completed 15 years, a milestone that Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik says reflects India's rising leadership in renewables. The agency, set up in 2011, has grown from a solar-focused body into the country's main clean-energy tendering and implementation arm.

Naik, who also holds the power and coal portfolios, pointed to SECI's role in scaling up solar and wind auctions that have drawn global investors. "SECI's journey mirrors India's renewable energy ambitions," he said, according to a statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The minister added that the agency's work has helped bring down tariffs and expand capacity.

India's installed renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar accounting for a large share. SECI has been the primary agency for issuing tenders for solar parks, rooftop solar, and hybrid projects. It also handles the National Solar Mission's implementation and manages power purchase agreements with developers.

Over the past decade, SECI's auctions have attracted companies from across the world, including major Indian conglomerates and international utilities. The agency's tenders have often been oversubscribed, signaling strong investor appetite. However, land acquisition and transmission bottlenecks have slowed some projects.

Naik's remarks come as India pushes toward its target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The government has also launched production-linked incentive schemes for solar manufacturing and green hydrogen. SECI is expected to play a central role in these efforts.

The agency's 15-year run has not been without challenges. Developers have complained about delays in signing power purchase agreements and payment security. SECI has tried to address these by introducing new bidding guidelines and payment mechanisms.

Industry watchers say SECI's next phase will test its ability to integrate storage and manage grid stability. With renewables now a mainstream power source, the agency's tenders are increasingly focused on round-the-clock supply and peak power. That shift could reshape how clean energy is procured in India.

Naik's statement did not announce new targets or schemes. But his praise for SECI's track record signals continued government backing for the agency's role in India's energy transition.