NTPC REL Issues Tender for 900 MW Solar PV Project in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), has significantly advanced its decarbonization roadmap with the issuance of an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the EPC Package of a 900 MW (3 x 300 MW) grid-connected solar PV project. Situated in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, this massive undertaking represents a critical component of NTPC’s transition toward its ambitious green energy capacity targets. The procurement process follows a Single Stage Two Envelope bidding system, designed to attract seasoned EPC contractors through a competitive Domestic Competitive Bidding framework.

Project Scope and Location

The project is located in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, and is structured to provide bidding flexibility across three distinct 300 MW Solar Blocks (Block-1, Block-2, and Block-3). These blocks are categorized into two bidding clusters:

• Cluster-1: Comprises a single 300 MW block (Block-1).
• Cluster-2: Comprises two 300 MW blocks (Block-2 and Block-3).

Under the specific bidding nuances of this tender, prospective bidders may submit proposals for Cluster-1 (one block), Cluster-2 (one or two blocks), or both clusters (all three blocks). Power evacuation is defined up to the Owner’s 33kV Main Pooling Switchgear, which interfaces with a 33/400kV Substation.

Detailed Technical Scope of Work

The successful bidder must execute a comprehensive turnkey scope that integrates advanced tracking technology and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include:

• Design and Supply: Complete design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply of the Solar PV plant, including the mandatory supply of Solar PV modules.
• Module Mounting Systems: Design, foundation construction, and erection of Tracker-Based Module Mounting Structures (MMS). Notably, the financial evaluation for this package incorporates Cost per MU Based Bidding for the tracker systems.
• Grid Compliance and Regulatory Support: Facilitation of grid compliance studies as per prevailing regulations to ensure seamless integration.
• Site Infrastructure: Site grading, vegetation clearing, topographical surveys, and geotechnical investigations.
• Systems Integration: Construction of Pre-Engineered Inverter rooms, SCADA systems for remote monitoring, Weather Monitoring Stations (including cloud cover monitoring), and CCTV coverage for 100% of the periphery.
• Civil and Electrical Works: Installation of module cleaning systems, internal roads, drainage, fencing, and security cabins. The scope also includes dynamic reactive power compensation equipment and harmonic filters.
• Spares and Maintenance: Supply of Mandatory Spares and the provision of three years of comprehensive Operation & Maintenance (O&M), including consumables and spare parts.

Technical Eligibility Criteria

Bidders must satisfy rigorous technical benchmarks to qualify, with a focus on commissioned capacity and operational reliability:

• Solar PV Experience: Bidders must have commissioned or supervised the commissioning of grid-connected solar plants with a cumulative capacity of 40 MWp or higher, including at least one reference plant of 10 MWp or higher.
• Operational Track Record: The 10 MWp reference plant must have been in successful operation for at least six months prior to the techno-commercial bid opening date.
• Industrial Project Route: Alternatively, developers or EPC contractors from sectors such as power, steel, or oil and gas are eligible if they have executed a single project with a minimum financial value of ₹192 Crore (for 300MW), ₹384 Crore (for 600MW), or ₹576 Crore (for 900MW).
• Operational Nuances for Industrial Bidders: Such projects must have been operational for at least one year. However, if the reference project is in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector, the operational requirement is reduced to six months.
• Sub-station Requirement: Bidders qualifying via the industrial route must have executed at least one electrical sub-station of 33 kV or above. This sub-station must have been in successful operation for at least one year (six months for RE sector projects).

Financial Requirements and Bid Security

Participation requires meeting specific average annual turnover thresholds over the preceding three financial years.

Bid Security (EMD):

• ₹20 Crore: For bidders quoting for 1 or 2 blocks (300 MW or 600 MW).
• ₹50 Crore: For bidders quoting for all 3 blocks (900 MW).

Bid security may be submitted via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). In such cases, bidders must provide proof of the e-payment within a separate sealed envelope as part of their submission.

Bidding Timelines and Schedule

The tender follows a strict timeline as detailed in Bidding Document No. NRE-CS-5816-004(EPC)-9:

Documentation and Submission

Bids must be submitted through the M/s ISN Electronic Tender Services (ETS) portal at https://www.bharat-electronictender.com. The official Tender Search Code (TSC) for this package is NTPCREL-2026-TN000013.

Prospective bidders are mandatorily required to submit a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) along with the IFB to gain access to the complete bidding documents. The selection process involves a Techno-Commercial evaluation followed by a Price Bid opening and a Reverse Auction to determine the final awardees.