NTPC Renewable Energy Limited and NTPC Green Energy Limited Issue Tenders for 240 MW Devikot Solar Project

Executive Summary

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL) and NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) have announced concurrent tenders for the development of a 240 MW grid-connected solar PV project near Devikot, Rajasthan. This procurement includes a comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) package for the solar generation infrastructure and a specialized 130 MVAR Static Var Generator (SVG) package for dynamic reactive power compensation. All components are to be integrated into the regional grid to ensure stability and regulatory compliance.

Key Tender Details & Deadlines

Technical & Financial Qualification Requirements

Prospective bidders must satisfy the following criteria to ensure bid responsiveness.

3.1 EPC Package for 240 MW Solar PV

• Technical Criteria: Bidders must qualify via one of three routes:
  1. Cumulative installed solar capacity of 40 MWp or higher, including at least one 10 MWp plant in operation for six months.
  2. Solar developer experience with a cumulative 40 MWp capacity, including one 10 MWp plant in operation for six months.
  3. Execution of an industrial project in the last ten years valued at INR 170 Crores or more (exclusive of taxes), alongside the execution of at least one 33 kV or higher electrical substation.
• Financial Criteria: Average annual turnover must be at least INR 170 Crores over the last three financial years. Net worth must equal or exceed 100% of the paid-up share capital.
• O&M Procurement Context: While this package covers 3 years of comprehensive O&M for the 240 MW site, bidders should note the aggregate NGEL O&M portfolio encompasses 540 MW, including the 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project.

3.2 130 MVAR SVG Package

• Technical Criteria: Experience in commissioning SVG-based reactive power systems with a cumulative capacity of 40 MVAr (including one 10 MVAr system). Alternatively, bidders may have executed at least two outdoor Air Insulated Bays at 33 kV or higher, in operation for at least one year.
• Financial Criteria: Average annual turnover requirement of INR 26.5 Crores and a net worth of at least 100% of the paid-up share capital.

Scope of Infrastructure Works

The following technical components and infrastructure tasks are mandatory under the EPC and SVG packages:

• Solar Array & Support: Installation of Tracker-Based Module Mounting Structures (MMS) and PV modules with module interconnection.
• Civil & Site Works: Grading, vegetation clearing, topographical surveys, and geotechnical investigations. Construction of internal roads, pathways, and drainage systems.
• Inverter & Power Conditioning: Installation of Power Conditioning Units and associated switchgear. If central inverters are utilized, construction of Pre-Engineered inverter rooms is required; in case of String Inverters, the scope shifts to construction of a Pre-Engineered HT Switchgear room.
• Electrical Connectivity (EPC): Installation of 33kV Main Pooling Switchgear and laying of 19/33 kV Al armoured cables from block boundaries to the pooling substation.
• Electrical Connectivity (SVG): Laying of 19/33 kV 1C 400 Sq.mm Al armoured cable from the Isolator yard to the owner’s 33 kV system (approximate route length of 75 m).
• Monitoring & SCADA: Comprehensive SCADA for remote monitoring including all hardware/software and facilitation for grid compliance studies.
• Weather Monitoring Station (WMS): Installation of a complete WMS including cloud cover monitoring capabilities.
• Security & Safety: 100% periphery coverage via CCTV surveillance, entry/exit gate monitoring, and security cabins. A minimum of 2% of contract value must be earmarked for safety-related compliance.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements for Bid Responsiveness

To ensure administrative eligibility, bidders must comply with the following:

• ETS Portal Registration: All bids must be submitted online via the ISN Electronic Tender Services (ETS) portal.
• Confidentiality: Bidders must submit a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) via the ETS portal to be authorized to download bidding documents.
• Geopolitical Restrictions: Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority.
• Make in India Policy: Preference is given to Class-I and Class-II local suppliers. Notably, bidders for the O&M portion of the project must be Class-I local suppliers with 100% local content.