NHPC invites bids for 1,200 MW of ISTS Connected Solar Projects

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.

Key Tender Highlights:

• Total Capacity: 1,200 MW

• Additional Capacity with Greenshoe Option: Up to 1,200 MW

• Minimum Project Size: 50 MW (in multiples of 10 MW thereafter)

• For North-Eastern States and Special Category Areas: Minimum 30 MW

• Maximum Bid Capacity: 600 MW without Greenshoe Option, 1,200 MW with Greenshoe Option

• Earnest Money Deposit: Rs. 942,000 per MW

• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Duration: 25 years

• 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:

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.