NHPC Opens Bids To Develop 1.2 GW Solar Projects Across India

NHPC, a PSU Navratna hydropower company released a tender to select solar power generators (SPGs) to set up 1.2 GW ISTS-connected solar power projects, with green shoe options upto 1200 MW. The tender sets November 4th, 2024 as the last date for bid submission.

The tender said, “The minimum project size will be 50 MW and in multiples of 10 MW.  The cumulative capacity offered should not exceed 600 MW without the “Greenshoe Option” and 1200MW for a bidder with the “Greenshoe Option. Whereas, for Projects located in the North-Eastern States and Special Category, the minimum quantum of Contracted Capacity that can be offered by a bidder, including its Parent, Affiliate or Ultimate Parent or any Group Company, is to be 30 MW.”

The tender adds, “The bidders will be free to avail of fiscal incentives like Accelerated Depreciation, Concessional Customs, and Excise Duties, Tax Holidays, etc. as available for such projects. Bidder can quote a single tariff for the entire of its projects’ capacity offered, which is to be applicable for all 25 years.

Under the tender, the successful solar power developers will be responsible for setting up the Solar PV Power Project(s), including the dedicated transmission network up to the Interconnection/Delivery Point, at its own cost and in accordance with the provisions of this RfS document.

The bidder is expected to undertake all approvals, permits, and clearances required for setting up the Project(s) and/or dedicated transmission network up to the Interconnection/ Delivery Point (along with connectivity). This included conditions required by the state government and local bodies, as mentioned within the scope of the SPG.

Additionally, the tender mandated the selection of projects would be technology agnostic within the technology. For instance, it mentioned the use of crystalline silicon or thin film or CPV, with or without trackers can be installed. Only commercially established and operational technologies can be used to minimize the technology risk and to achieve the timely commissioning of the Projects.