NHPC Launches Tender For 1,200 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects To Boost India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

NHPC Limited has announced a tender inviting competitive bids for the establishment of 1,200 MW ISTS-connected wind-solar hybrid power projects across India. The initiative also includes an optional expansion under the “Greenshoe Option” for an additional 1,200 MW capacity. The process will involve tariff-based competitive bidding followed by an e-reverse auction. Selected developers will enter a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with NHPC. This tender is part of NHPC’s effort to support India’s renewable energy goals and the government’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity by 2030.

The tender is structured as a single-stage, two-envelope process comprising technical and financial bids. Bids must be submitted online through the Central Public Procurement Portal by January 16, 2025, with offline submissions due by January 20, 2025. Key activities include a pre-bid meeting scheduled for January 2, 2025, and the opening of technical bids on January 21, 2025. The final date and time for the financial bid opening will be communicated later.

Eligible bidders must arrange their land and obtain necessary clearances. Each project must be at least 50 MW, increasing in multiples of 10 MW, while projects in North-Eastern and special category states have a lower threshold of 30 MW. The performance bank guarantee (PBG) amount will depend on project size, aligning with NHPC’s requirements. A significant provision is that no central financial assistance will be available, though bidders may leverage existing fiscal incentives independently. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for participating projects is capped at ₹10 crore per project.

The initiative aligns with NHPC’s strategy to mitigate renewable energy variability by promoting hybrid systems that combine solar and wind energy. These systems utilize existing transmission infrastructure more efficiently and enhance grid stability. Selected projects will deploy advanced technologies, such as crystalline silicon or thin-film PV with or without trackers, ensuring commercially established solutions to minimize risks and facilitate timely commissioning.

Any clarifications or amendments will also be published online, and bidders are encouraged to monitor updates regularly. NHPC reserves the right to modify or cancel the tender at its discretion without liability.