NTPC Renewable Energy Limited Concludes 1 GW Solar Module Supply Tender for Uttar Pradesh Projects

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has successfully finalized its module supply tender for a cumulative capacity of 1 GW AC (1,450 MWp DC) to support strategic solar developments across Uttar Pradesh. The procurement process, which faced significant procedural and legal hurdles, concluded with the selection of three major domestic players: Bluebird Solar, Insolation Green Energy (Insolation Energy Ltd.), and SAEL Industries (SAEL Solar P6). These high-efficiency modules are slated for deployment at key project sites in the Lalitpur and Chitrakoot regions.

Tender Background and Procedural Timeline

The road to these final awards was marked by market volatility and a subsequent legal battle with the original successful bidder. The procurement timeline is detailed as follows:

• July 31, 2025: NTPC REL issued the initial Invitation for Bids (IFB) for domestic competitive bidding for the supply and transportation of Solar PV modules.
• December 24, 2025: The project was initially awarded to Grew Energy Private Limited via six Notifications of Award (NOAs).
• Early 2026: The previous bidder sought force majeure relief, citing the West-Asian conflict and an exorbitant spike in the price of silver and other raw materials, which disrupted supply chains and increased manufacturing costs.
• April 8, 2026: NTPC REL terminated the contract with Grew Energy due to the non-execution of the formal contract agreement and the failure to submit the required Contract Performance Guarantee (CPG).
• April 10, 2026: A fresh Retender Notice was issued to ensure project timelines remained intact.
• June 22, 2026: The High Court of Delhi upheld the validity of the retendering process, clearing the path for the current awardees.

Breakdown of Awarded Packages and Capacities

The total 1,450 MWp DC capacity has been distributed among the three winners to ensure a streamlined rollout across the Lalitpur and Chitrakoot project blocks. The specific allocations are summarized below:

Note: The remaining capacity of the 1,450 MWp DC total is distributed between Insolation Green Energy and SAEL Industries to meet the full tender requirement.

Technical Specifications and Supply Requirements

NTPC REL’s procurement standards reflect the industry’s shift toward high-efficiency technologies to maximize land utilization and performance. The technical requirements include:

• Module Type: N-Type TOPCon dual-glass bifacial modules. The adoption of TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology aligns with the latest efficiency benchmarks required under current domestic manufacturing mandates.
• Power Rating: Modules must achieve a minimum output of 570 Wp.
• Regulatory Compliance: Absolute adherence to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List I is mandatory.
• Scope: The contracts encompass the comprehensive supply and transportation of the hardware to the designated project sites in Uttar Pradesh.

Regulatory Context: ALMM Implementation

This tender was executed under the strict regulatory framework established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Factual compliance with the ALMM List I (Modules) and List II (Cells) was central to the procurement strategy. Per MNRE office memorandums, the implementation of List I was finalized on April 1, 2024.

Significantly, the cut-off date for List II compliance was fixed as August 31, 2025—falling exactly one month after the publication of List II on July 31, 2025. This regulatory window was critical for vendors in navigating the transition toward mandatory domestic cell sourcing and ensures that the 1,450 MWp DC capacity utilizes Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compliant technology.

Administrative and Legal Finality

The conclusion of this tender follows a definitive ruling by the High Court of Delhi in June 2026. The Court’s findings provided essential clarity on the rights of state agencies during the pre-execution phase of a contract.

While the Court set aside specific suspension orders and “risk-purchase” claims against the previous bidder, it did so on the basis that Clause 43.0—the risk-purchase provision—applies specifically to the supply stage. Because Grew Energy never executed the formal contract, the project had not yet reached the supply stage where such liabilities could be invoked. However, the Court explicitly upheld NTPC REL’s right to proceed with the Retender Notice dated April 10, 2026, confirming that the fresh awards to Bluebird Solar, Insolation Green Energy, and SAEL Industries are legally valid and administratively final.

Official Sources & Citations

1. High Court of Delhi: Judgment in W.P.(C) 8148/2026

• Description: Official judicial review regarding the “Supply of Solar PV Modules” tender and the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II.
• Key Document Reference: Grew Energy Private Limited v. NTPC Renewable Energy Limited & Ors. (Judgment delivered on 22.06.2026).

2. THDC India Limited: 37th Annual Report 2024-25

• Description: The official annual corporate and financial report for THDC India Limited, a Mini Ratna PSU, covering project portfolios and sustainability initiatives.
• Official Website: www.thdc.co.in
• Environment Policy: https://thdc.co.in/content/environment-policy
• CSR & Sustainability Policy: https://thdc.co.in/sites/default/files/CSR-CD-policy28.05.13.pdf

3. TUSCO Limited: Official Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks Portal

• Description: The official site for TUSCO Limited (a Joint Venture of THDC India Ltd and UPNEDA) detailing the ongoing solar projects in Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot.
• Official Website: https://tuscoltd.co.in
• Memorandum of Association: TUSCO MOA & AOA PDF