India Concludes Major 1-GW Round-the-Clock Renewable Tender

• Indian Railways’ REMCL awards a 1-GW RTC tender featuring significant solar capacity at competitive tariffs.

India took another significant step toward providing reliable clean electricity with the conclusion of a 1-GW round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy auction by REMCL, the power arm of Indian Railways. The tender attracted strong competition, with final tariffs settling around ₹4.35/kWh — a level considered highly competitive for RTC supply.

Unlike standard solar or wind projects, RTC contracts require developers to deliver continuous renewable electricity throughout the day and night. To meet these requirements, bidders typically combine solar, wind and battery storage in optimized configurations. This hybridization ensures power output even when the sun isn’t shining or wind speeds drop.

The success of the REMCL auction underscores India’s transition toward firm, dispatchable green power as the grid integrates larger shares of intermittent renewables. Analysts say RTC models represent the next evolutionary stage of India’s clean-energy procurement — one that emphasizes reliability without increasing the country’s dependence on fossil-based backup.

For Indian Railways, one of the country’s largest electricity consumers, the tender supports long-term decarbonization goals and reduces exposure to fossil-fuel price fluctuations. For developers, the auction demonstrates growing investor confidence in blended renewable solutions supported by storage.

With more RTC tenders expected in 2025 and beyond, India is positioning itself as a global leader in hybrid renewable procurement — setting an example for other emerging markets aiming to balance affordability, sustainability and grid stability.