NHPC Limited has issued a request for proposals for the selection of project developers to deliver firm and dispatchable power from 1,500 MW inter-state transmission system connected renewable projects, including energy storage systems. The projects will be situated anywhere in India. The projects can be set up on the basis of build-own-operate model.
The bidders can secure land through purchase or lease without geographic constraints. The minimum project size should be 50 MW, and increase in multiples of 10 MW, with a maximum total capacity of 750 MW. For projects in the north-eastern states and those falling under a special category, the minimum contracted capacity that a bidder can propose, inclusive of their parent, affiliate, ultimate parent, or any group company, is set at 30 MW.
According to the tender guidelines, the bidders are required to submit Rs 1.25 million per MW as an earnest money deposit. The bidders are required to employ established and operational technologies that are economically feasible to reduce technology-related risks and ensure the successful completion of the projects. The clean power project developers who have either completed projects or are currently in the process of constructing such projects and have unused capacity are eligible to participate in the bidding process. The bid submission deadline is November 17, 2023.
NHPC will purchase the power generated from renewable energy projects, which will be supplied to state distribution companies or other beneficiaries. NHPC will enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the chosen bidders. These projects fall under the open category, permitting the utilisation of solar cells and modules from any source or origin.
Recently, in October 2023, NHPC issued a RfP for an engineering, procurement, and construction order to establish a 40 MW solar project, together with the relevant transmission line for integration at 220 kV Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited’s transmission system in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
