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NHPC Limited, a leading hydropower company in India, has issued a request for proposals (RfP) to develop 1,200 MW of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across India. The projects can be set up anywhere in the country, with the developers free to identify and acquire land at their own cost and risk.
The tender document specifies that NHPC plans to procure up to 1200 MW of solar power through a Competitive Bidding Process, with an option to procure an additional 1200 MW under a greenshoe option. Following the bidding process, NHPC will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the selected bidders to purchase solar power for 25 years, starting from the scheduled commencement date of the project supply. Furthermore, the document seeks to select Solar Power Generators (SPGs) to establish grid-connected Solar-PV power projects with a capacity of 1200 MW, plus an additional 1200 MW under the greenshoe option, on land to be identified and arranged by the SPGs anywhere in India.
Key Tender Highlights:
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Total Capacity: 1,200 MW
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Additional Capacity with Greenshoe Option: Up to 1,200 MW
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Minimum Project Size: 50 MW (in multiples of 10 MW thereafter)
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For North-Eastern States and Special Category Areas: Minimum 30 MW
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Maximum Bid Capacity: 600 MW without Greenshoe Option, 1,200 MW with Greenshoe Option
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Earnest Money Deposit: Rs. 942,000 per MW
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Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Duration: 25 years
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Bid Submission Deadline: June 29, 2024
The tender guidelines require bidders to quote a single tariff for the entire project capacity, applicable for the 25-year PPA period. Projects will be awarded through a reverse auction after submitting technical and financial bids.
NHPC will buy the solar power from developers and sell it to state utilities, distribution companies, or other beneficiaries on a back-to-back basis.
To minimize risks and ensure timely commissioning, the tender allows only commercially established and operational solar PV technologies like crystalline silicon, thin-film, or concentrated photovoltaics (CPV), with or without trackers.
The bidding process will be conducted through a single-stage, two-envelope system, with separate technical and financial bids. Interested bidders can download the Request for Selection (RfS) documents from the Central Public Procurement Portal (http://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app).
NHPC can cancel or withdraw the bid invitation without giving a reason.
Bidding Schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Bid Submission Start Date | May 31, 2024 |
| Bid Submission End Date | June 29, 2024 |
| Bid Opening Date | July 4, 2024 |
This tender presents a significant opportunity for solar developers to participate in India's renewable energy growth and contribute to the country's ambitious targets for clean energy adoption.
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