NHPC Limited has invited bids for the development of 100 MW of grid-connected, ground-mounted solar PV project in Rajasthan. Bidding for the project is reserved for entities enlisted with the NHPC limited for the execution of a solar capacity of 50 MW or above. Applicants must also have had a minimum average turnover of Rs 3.98 billion in the last three years as well as a working capital of Rs 440.28 million. Their net worth should have been positive and not lower than their paid-up share capital in three of the last five years. They must also submit an earnest money deposit of Rs 33 million. Successful bidders shall be responsible for the design, construction, comprehensive operations, maintenance of the project, transmission lines, and extra-high voltage bays for 10 years from the date of commissioning of the projects. The project must be commissioned 15 months from the date of awarding. The last date for submission of bids is October 17, 2020.
In August 2020, the NHPC had invited expressions of interests to lease 3,000 acres of land to set up a solar capacity of 600 MW. The selected agencies would be required to find 300 acres of flat, continuous and arid land as well as obtain all clearances for the development of the specified solar capacity. NHPC limited announced in June 2020 that it would diversify the company’s business by taking up solar projects across the country. The company currently has 50 MW of solar projects in operation in Tamil Nadu and another 10 MW of floating solar projects in the country.