Kurnool: NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, has invited bids for the development of a 900 MW interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) project near its Kurnool Solar Project in Andhra Pradesh. The tender follows an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model with land acquisition included in the scope of work.
The project involves securing encumbrance-free land, developing the solar PV plant and associated power evacuation infrastructure, and providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Bidders must submit a bid security of ₹50 crore, with the deadline for bid submission set for November 16, 2026.
NTPC REL 900 MW Solar Project: Key Tender Details
The major details of the tender are as follows:
- Tendering Authority: NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL)
- Project Capacity: 900 MW
- Project Location: Near NTPC REL’s Kurnool Solar Project, Andhra Pradesh
- Project Type: Ground-mounted solar PV project
- Connectivity: Interstate Transmission System (ISTS)-connected
- Execution Model: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) with land
- Bid Security: ₹50 crore
- Bid Submission Deadline: November 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM
- Techno-commercial Bid Opening: November 16, 2026, at 3:30 PM
Land Acquisition and Transmission Infrastructure Included in Scope
Under the tender, the selected contractor will be responsible for acquiring encumbrance-free land for the project, including land required for the battery energy storage system (BESS), and transferring ownership or lease rights to NTPC REL.
The scope also includes the installation of a 400 kV terminal bay at NTPC REL’s Kurnool Solar Project pooling substation. In addition, the contractor will develop a dedicated 400 kV transmission line, including the required right of way (RoW), to support power evacuation from the solar project.
These components form part of the infrastructure required to connect the proposed solar capacity to the transmission network.
EPC Scope Covers Solar Plant Installation and Grid Compliance
The contractor will execute the engineering, procurement and construction works for the 900 MW solar PV plant. The responsibilities will cover equipment supply, installation and the development of supporting infrastructure.
The key components of the EPC scope include:
- Supply of solar PV modules.
- Civil and structural works for the solar plant.
- Development of power evacuation infrastructure.
- Telemetry and communication systems.
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.
- Grid-compliance systems.
- Performance testing and commissioning.
- Provision of mandatory spares.
The contractor will also provide three years of operations and maintenance services for the solar plant, switchyard and power evacuation system, starting from commissioning.
Solar Modules Must Comply With ALMM Requirements
The crystalline bifacial solar PV modules and solar PV cells proposed for the project must be selected exclusively from the models and manufacturers listed in the latest applicable Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
The requirement establishes the eligible list of solar equipment for the project in accordance with the applicable tender conditions.
NTPC REL Tender: Technical Eligibility Criteria for Bidders
Bidders must meet the technical experience requirements specified in the tender. They can qualify through either of the following experience routes, subject to the applicable conditions.
Route 1: Experience in Grid-Connected Solar PV Projects
The bidder must have experience as a developer or EPC contractor for grid-connected solar PV power plants with a cumulative installed capacity of at least 40 MWp.
Additionally, at least one reference solar plant must have a capacity of 10 MWp or higher and must have been in successful operation for at least six months before the techno-commercial bid opening date.
Route 2: Experience in Industrial Projects
Alternatively, the bidder must have executed an industrial project within the last 10 years, either as a developer or EPC contractor, with a value of at least ₹590 crore for a single project or single work.
Eligible sectors include:
- Power
- Steel
- Oil and gas
- Petrochemicals
- Fertilisers
- Cement
- Coal mining, including coal handling plants
- Other process industries
The reference project must have been in successful operation for at least one year for industrial projects other than renewable energy projects. For solar and wind projects, the minimum successful operating period is six months.
Mandatory Electrical Substation Experience
In addition to either of the above qualification routes, the bidder must have executed at least one electrical substation with a voltage level of 33 kV or above, either as a developer or EPC contractor.
The reference substation must include equipment such as circuit breakers rated at 33 kV or above and a power transformer.
Bid Submission and Opening Schedule
Interested bidders must submit their bids by 3:00 PM on November 16, 2026. The techno-commercial bids are scheduled to open at 3:30 PM on the same day.
With land acquisition, solar plant construction, high-voltage transmission infrastructure and three years of O&M included in the scope, the tender covers multiple stages of project development and operation.
About NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL)
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) is a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, India’s state-owned power generation company. NTPC REL focuses on developing renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power, as part of the NTPC group’s broader clean energy expansion strategy. Its activities support the development of renewable power capacity and India’s energy transition.
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