Around the Clock Green Power: Hero Future Energies Bags 120 MW SECI Project at ₹5.25/kWh

Hero Future Energies (HFE), the renewable energy arm of the Hero Group, has officially secured a 120-megawatt (MW) capacity project under the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) 1,000 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy – Round-the-Clock (FDRE-RTC) auction. The project was awarded at a highly competitive tariff of ₹5.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Executed through its subsidiary, Hero Solar Energy, the project will integrate renewable generation with advanced energy storage systems (ESS) to meet SECI's strict requirements for firm power availability. This development, confirmed on August 18, 2026, is highly significant for the domestic energy sector, as it demonstrates the financial viability and operational capability of hybrid clean energy to effectively replace conventional fossil-fuel baseload generation in India.

Expanding Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Capacity

The 120 MW project is part of a larger 1,000 MW capacity auction floated by SECI in March 2026, explicitly designed to procure FDRE-RTC power from interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected renewable energy facilities. Unlike traditional standalone solar or wind projects, which suffer from generation intermittency, FDRE mandates the deployment of integrated energy storage systems to guarantee consistent power supply throughout the day and night.

Upon finalization, the project will be executed under a formalized Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) mapped directly with SECI. Project development guidelines mandate that the facility must achieve full commercial commissioning within 24 months from the date of PPA execution. By combining wind or solar assets with utility-scale storage, the facility will supply low-carbon, dispatchable electricity directly to the national grid, neutralizing the grid instability traditionally associated with renewable energy fluctuations.

Corporate Background and Strategic Sector Growth

Securing this FDRE RTC-V tender allocation expands HFE’s footprint in the hybrid and energy storage sectors. Market analysts note that as India steadily moves toward its national mandate of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, hybrid energy assets equipped with storage will witness accelerated regulatory priority.

Hero Future Energies has actively diversified its commercial pipeline beyond standard utility-scale solar and wind projects. The company currently manages a cumulative renewable energy portfolio of approximately 7.2 gigawatts peak (GWp), alongside a substantial 2.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of planned and operational Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By continuously targeting FDRE parameters, HFE signals a strategic transition from an intermittent clean power producer to a comprehensive end-to-end green energy transition partner.

Official Sources Section

Project capacity allocations, operational timelines, and finalized tariff structures are documented according to competitive bidding outcomes and regulatory announcements published by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and official corporate releases from Hero Future Energies.

Quote Section

Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO of Hero Future Energies, addressed the recent project acquisition and its role in the broader renewable transition:

"As India's energy landscape evolves, the ability to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable power will become increasingly important. This 120 MW project under SECI's FDRE RTC-V tender reflects our continued focus on developing solutions that can combine reliability, affordability and sustainability. We are pleased to build on our experience of working with SECI and look forward to delivering another project that supports India's net-zero ambitions."

Why It Matters

The practical implications of the ₹5.25/kWh tariff for FDRE-RTC power showcase the maturing economics of battery-integrated clean energy. For power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and end consumers, firm and dispatchable renewable energy means reduced reliance on volatile thermal coal and expensive gas-fired peaking power plants. For the broader industry, securing competitively priced baseload green energy clears a major technical hurdle for deep grid decarbonization and improves energy security.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project Allotment: 120 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE).

• Awarded Tariff: ₹5.25/kWh.

• Auction Authority: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

• Commissioning Timeline: Expected 24 months post-Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing.

• Corporate Portfolio Context: Hero Future Energies manages 7.2 GWp of renewables and 2.9 GWh of BESS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an FDRE-RTC project?

Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy – Round-the-Clock (FDRE-RTC) projects combine renewable generation (like wind and solar) with energy storage systems. This setup guarantees a steady and reliable supply of electricity to the grid 24 hours a day, overcoming the natural intermittency of standalone renewables.

Who won the 120 MW SECI FDRE-RTC project?

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its dedicated subsidiary Hero Solar Energy, secured the 120 MW capacity allocation in the recent SECI auction.

What is the per-unit cost of the electricity generated by this project?

The power will be supplied at a finalized and agreed competitive tariff of ₹5.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

When will the 120 MW project become operational?

The facility is mandated to achieve commercial operations within 24 months of executing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI.

Source: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Hero Future Energies, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)