NTPC Renewable Energy’s Dual Mega Solar Tenders of 900 MW Each, With Greenshoe Options, Shine in Andhra Pradesh

NTPC Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of India’s largest power generation company, NTPC Limited, has initiated the tender process for two significant solar projects in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The tenders aim to develop inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects and include greenshoe options.

The first tender seeks proposals for a substantial 900 MW solar project located in Kurnool, with an additional 300 MW option available. The second tender focuses on a similarly sized 900 MW solar project in Anantapur, also offering a 300 MW greenshoe option.

The deadline for submitting bids for the Kurnool project is set for December 18, 2023, with bid openings taking place on the same day. For the Anantapur project, bids must be submitted by December 20, 2023, with bid openings also scheduled for that date.

Notably, all bid submissions must be accompanied by a bid security declaration to be considered.

The scope of work for the selected bidders encompasses securing land for the projects on a freehold or leasehold basis, calculated at approximately 5 acres per MW, near an ISTS substation for a 30-year period. Additionally, bidders must arrange the necessary infrastructure, including approach roads to the pooling substation and interconnections between plots.

To be eligible, bidders must have a track record of successfully executing grid-connected solar and wind projects with a combined capacity of 100 MW or more, including at least one project with a capacity of 50 MW or more. They should have secured land for the projects and obtained technical feasibility approval for power evacuation through state transmission utilities or ISTS substations.

Moreover, bidders are required to meet specified financial criteria, including minimum annual turnover based on the quoted capacity, and maintain a positive net worth as of the last day of the preceding financial year. For quoted capacities between 50 MW and 300 MW, the minimum annual turnover is set at ₹19.47 crore, while capacities exceeding 300 MW require a minimum annual turnover of ₹649,000 per MW.

These tenders represent a significant step in the development of renewable energy infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh and are expected to attract strong interest from established industry players.