NTPC Limited has issued a detailed request for selection (RfS) for 1.2 GW of Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) connected solar projects across the country. The ceiling tariff for the tender has been set at Rs 2.78 per kWh. As per the tender guidelines, the minimum capacity that a bidder can develop is 50 MW and in multiples of 10 MW from there, up to a maximum quotable capacity of 600 MW. Bidders can develop projects at multiple locations as long as each project is at least 50 MW. They are, however, allowed to only quote a single tariff for the entire capacity.
To be eligible to take part in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have a net worth of at least Rs 8 million per MW of their quoted capacity as of the last financial year. They must also have a minimum annual turnover of Rs 4.14 million per MW of capacity bid against this tender.The developer will have to achieve financial closure for the projects within 12 months from the effective date of PPA. The RfS also stated that the capacity utilisation factor of the solar projects selected must not be less than 19 per cent. It also said that bidders are free to develop their solar projects anywhere in India. The last date for the submission of bids is March 19, 2020.