GUVNL Launches 625 MW Solar Power Tender Across India

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has issued a significant Request for Selection (RfS) aimed at procuring solar power projects across India. The RfS, identified as GUVNL/625 MW / Solar (Phase XXVIII) and dated 21.11.2025, seeks to acquire 625 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects without energy storage. The tender also includes a Greenshoe option, which allows GUVNL to procure an additional 625 MW, potentially doubling the capacity through this procurement process. The initiative will be executed through a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding Process, which will be followed by an electronic Reverse E-Auction.

The projects under this bid will be developed on a “Build Own Operate” basis. Successful bidders will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with GUVNL, which will have a tenure of 25 years from the Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD). The SCSD is set at 24 months from the date of PPA execution. The RfS allows projects to be set up anywhere in India, including projects under construction or already commissioned, as long as they do not have an existing long-term PPA with any other agency. Bidders will be responsible for all transmission charges and losses up to the delivery point, which is particularly relevant for interstate projects. They have the option to interconnect with either the State Transmission Utility (STU) or the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) network. The minimum capacity requirement for bidders is 50 MW for interstate projects and 10 MW for STU-connected projects.

The bidding process follows a single-stage, double-envelope system. Interested parties could begin downloading the tender documents starting from the date of the RfS, 21.11.2025. A pre-bid meeting was scheduled for 03.12.2025 at 11:30 AM through video conferencing. Bidders were required to register for the pre-bid meeting by 27.11.2025 and submit any queries by 29.11.2025. The online submission deadline for the Response to RfS, which serves as the bid submission deadline, is 15.12.2025 at 5:00 PM. Following this, the deadline for offline submission of supporting documents, including the physical Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) bank guarantee, is 17.12.2025 at 5:00 PM. Technical bids are set to be opened on 18.12.2025 at 11:30 AM. Dates for the financial bid opening and the reverse e-auction will be shared separately with eligible bidders.

Bidders are required to submit a mandatory Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) as part of the tender process. The EMD amount is ₹9,28,000 per MW of quoted capacity and must be provided in the form of an irrevocable bank guarantee. The EMD is liable for forfeiture if a selected bidder withdraws their bid or fails to execute the PPA. Upon successful selection, bidders must also furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG), defined as an irrevocable and unconditional bank guarantee in line with the provisions of Section 3.8 of the tender document. The EMD bank guarantee will only be returned after the submission of the PBG in an acceptable format and after the PPAs have been signed.

This tender represents a major step for GUVNL in meeting its future power requirements and expanding its renewable energy portfolio. By opening participation to projects across India and allowing both STU and CTU connections, GUVNL aims to encourage wider competition and facilitate the development of large-scale solar power. The competitive bidding and reverse e-auction process are expected to ensure cost efficiency, while the 25-year PPA tenure provides long-term stability for successful bidders. The inclusion of the Greenshoe option further emphasizes GUVNL’s intent to maximize solar capacity and strengthen its renewable energy framework for the coming years.

This initiative reflects India’s continued focus on expanding solar power generation and demonstrates GUVNL’s commitment to securing reliable, grid-connected renewable energy through a transparent and structured procurement process.