NTPC Invites Environmentally Friendly Bids for 300 MW Solar Projects, Including EPC Package and Land Allocation

NTPC Green Energy (NGEL), representing Northeastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a wholly-owned NTPC subsidiary, has issued an invitation for bids regarding the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) package, including land, for up to 300 MW of inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power projects across India.

The project entails the identification, acquisition, and seamless transfer of ownership or lease of unencumbered land to NEEPCO. Additionally, the selected developer is required to identify and establish grid connectivity to the ISTS substation.

The developer assumes responsibility for all EPC activities, including performance testing to ensure guaranteed generation at the interconnection point. Furthermore, the chosen developer will oversee the operation and maintenance of the projects for a duration of three years from the commissioning date.

Bidders are to submit their proposals by February 27, 2024, with the bid opening scheduled for the same day. A fee of ₹22,500 is applicable for access to the bidding documents.

Bidders are required to provide bid security in the amount of ₹5 crores for a quoted capacity of 100 MW; ₹10 crores for a quoted capacity of more than 100 MW and up to 200 MW; and ₹20 crores for a quoted capacity of more than 200 MW and up to 300 MW.

Prospective bidders are required to demonstrate experience in developing, designing, supplying, erecting, or supervising the commissioning of grid-connected solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW or higher. This experience should include at least one project of 10 MW or higher capacity at a single location, operational for a minimum of six months before the bid opening date.

Alternatively, bidders may showcase expertise in executing industrial projects in sectors such as power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, or any other process industry within the last ten years. The industrial project should have a minimum value of ₹240crores and must have been operational for at least six months to one year before the bid opening date.

For renewable energy sector projects, the six-month operational criteria apply, while non-renewable industrial projects necessitate a one-year operational track record.

Bidders must also demonstrate an average annual turnover of not less than ₹240crores for three out of the last five financial years, and their net worth as of the last day of the preceding financial year should be at least 100% of their paid-up share capital.