NTPC REL Issues Balance of System Tender for 900 MW Solar Capacity in Andhra Pradesh

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has invited online bids for the Balance of System (BoS) package for 900 MW grid-connected solar PV projects under Bidding Document No. NRE-CS-5803-004(L)-9. The projects are located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The deadline for the submission of techno-commercial and price bids is June 5, 2026.

Project Configuration and Location Details

The total capacity of 900 MW is structured into two blocks: Block 1 (400 MW) and Block 2 (500 MW). The project sites are situated in the Kurnool region of Andhra Pradesh, with power evacuation planned through the Kurnool Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) substation.

The scope for land and power evacuation requires the arrangement of five acres per MW of land near the Kurnool ISTS substation. This land must be secured on a leasehold basis for a minimum period of 29 years and 11 months.

Technical Scope of Work

The technical responsibilities for the selected bidder are categorized into land-related works and power evacuation infrastructure.

A. Land Related Works

• Topography and Grading: Execution of topographical surveys for land parcels and performing necessary cutting and filling. Bidders must achieve 95% compaction as per the standard Proctor density test to maintain an average slope of 10% for the solar project land, specifically prepared for tracker-based module mounting structures (MMS).
• Geotechnical Investigation: Detailed investigations for the pooling substation and transmission system to facilitate foundation design.
• Infrastructure: Construction of approach roads to the pooling substation, internal roads, pathways, and drainage systems.
• Security: Fencing of the offered land, including at least two entry/exit gates per plot and the construction of security cabins as per tender drawings.

B. Power Evacuation Related Works

• Substation Design: Design, engineering, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of an AIS Pooling Substation (400 kV or 220 kV depending on capacity). This includes Tie Transformers, a Substation Automation System (SAS), associated protection systems, and 33 kV pooling switchgear.
• Civil Works: Construction of the control room building and pooling switchgear building.
• Transmission: Design and construction of the EHV transmission line from the pooling substation to the ISTS substation, including the arrangement of the “Right of Way” (RoW).
• Grid Interfacing: Design and construction of terminal bays at the ISTS end, installation of a common Power Plant Controller (PPC), and the performance of a Grid Compliance Study for solar plants associated with each pooling substation.
• Monitoring and Communication: Supply and installation of monitoring systems for Tie Transformers and telemetry systems for data communication.

Mandatory Exclusions and O&M

The supply of solar PV modules and tracker systems is explicitly excluded from the bidder’s scope. However, the bidder is responsible for three years of comprehensive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) for the pooling substation, associated equipment, EHV transmission line, and terminal bays starting from the date of project commissioning.

Financial Eligibility and Bidding Requirements

Bidders must meet minimum average annual turnover requirements calculated at ₹6.49 lakhs per MW for capacities exceeding 300 MW. The following table summarizes the financial thresholds for the available blocks:

Bidders are required to have a positive net worth as of the last day of the preceding financial year. In cases where a bidder relies on the financial strength of a Holding Company, the net worth of that Holding Company must be at least equal to or greater than its paid-up share capital. The tender also includes a “Green Shoe Option” for an additional 300 MW of capacity.

Critical Clarification: Agency Distinction

This procurement process is conducted by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) specifically for a Balance of System (BoS) package. It is distinct and separate from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) tender for the procurement of 900 MWp domestically manufactured solar modules under the CPSU Scheme Tranche III. There is no partnership or overlap in scope between these two independent tenders.

Timeline and Procedural Dates

The following schedule details the key milestones for the bidding process:

• NIT Issue Date: May 4, 2026
• Document Sale Start Date: May 11, 2026
• Bid Submission End Date: June 5, 2026, at 14:00 HRS
• Techno-Commercial Bid Opening: June 5, 2026, at 15:00 HRS

Contact Information for Nodal Officer: Sr. Manager, NTPC Renewable Energy Limited 4th Floor, Renewables Building, NETRA Complex E-3, Ecotech-II, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, India – 201306 E-mail: bablukumar@ntpc.co.in