NHPC Floats 1.2 GW Solar PV Projects Tender with Energy Storage Systems

NHPC launches a 1.2 GW solar PV tender with energy storage systems across India. Learn about project specifications, fees, and deadlines for this ambitious renewable energy initiative.

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has launched a tender for the selection of solar power generators (SPGs) to develop grid-connected solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 1.2 GW, paired with 600 MW/1200 MWh energy storage systems (ESS). The SPGs are responsible for identifying and arranging the land for the projects across India. Additionally, NHPC has introduced a "greenshoe option" to add another 1.2 GW of solar capacity with ESS, depending on demand.

Project Specifications and Bidder Guidelines

The minimum project size for bidders is set at 50 MW, with a mandatory ESS component of 25 MW/50 MWh, increasing in multiples of 10 MW. Without the greenshoe option, bidders can offer up to 600 MW with a 300 MW/600 MWh ESS. With the greenshoe option, the maximum capacity allowed is 1,200 MW with a 600 MW/1200 MWh ESS.

For projects in North-Eastern states and special category areas, the minimum contracted capacity is 30 MW with a 15 MW/30 MWh ESS component.

The project completion timeline is 731 days, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for October 3, 2024. Bidders must submit their bids by October 18, 2024, with bids being opened on October 23, 2024.

Fees and Financial Eligibility

Bidders are required to submit:

• A tender fee of INR 3.54 lakh

• An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 9.42 lakh

• A bid processing fee of INR 3 lakh (for 50 MW), INR 5 lakh (for 50-100 MW), INR 10 lakh (100-250 MW), INR 20 lakh (250-500 MW), and INR 30 lakh (for above 250 MW), plus GST.

The financial eligibility criteria state that the bidder’s net worth must be at least INR 1.29 crore per MW of project capacity, based on the last financial year's figures.

Energy Storage Requirements

The tender mandates that at least 0.5 MW/1 MWh ESS be installed for every 1 MW of contracted capacity. The ESS must be charged exclusively with solar power, ensuring that power from other sources does not qualify as solar energy. SPGs can either own the ESS or enter third-party agreements to fulfill this requirement.

The tender reflects NHPC’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and energy storage in India, promoting a balanced integration of solar power and ESS to support the country's clean energy goals.

Download the tender document.