U-Solar Secures ₹127.47 Crore EPC Contract for NSPCL’s 20 MW Floating Solar Project in Bhilai

NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), a joint venture between NTPC Limited and the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has formally awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for its upcoming 20 MW floating solar project to U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited. The project, situated at Maroda Reservoir-2 in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, represents a significant expansion of NSPCL’s renewable energy footprint in the Durg district. Following a rigorous competitive bidding process, U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited emerged as the successful bidder with a financial quote of approximately ₹127.47 crore. This infrastructure development is a cornerstone of NSPCL’s strategy to leverage existing industrial water bodies for clean power generation, thereby supporting the sustainable energy requirements of the Bhilai Steel Plant. By utilizing floating solar technology, the company aims to generate fossil-free electricity while bypassing the complexities associated with large-scale land acquisition for conventional solar farms.

Tender Background & Evaluatory Methodology

The procurement for this EPC package was initiated under a Domestic Competitive Bidding framework, identified by Gepnic Tender Reference Number 2026_NSPCL_275573_1 (Bidding Document No. CMCC260018). According to the invitation for bids (IFB), the process followed a Single Stage Two Envelope system, requiring the concurrent submission of a Techno-Commercial Bid and a Price Bid. The NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL) mandated a Bid Security (EMD) of INR 2,00,00,000 (Two Crores) to ensure the participation of serious industry players.

The evaluation methodology was specifically designed to prioritize long-term asset performance over simple upfront capital expenditure. Bidders were ranked based on the lowest cost per unit of estimated annual electricity generation, calculated in ₹/MU (Rupees per Million Units). This approach ensured that the project would be awarded to the contractor providing the highest level of efficiency. Technical qualifying requirements (QR) were stringent; bidders had to demonstrate experience in designing and commissioning grid-connected solar PV plants with a cumulative capacity of at least 16 MW, including at least one project of 10 MW or more. Alternatively, firms could qualify through large-scale industrial EPC experience in sectors like power, steel, or oil and gas, with a single project value of at least ₹120 crore. NSPCL has confirmed that the entirety of this project package will be funded through the company’s internal resources.

Comprehensive Auction Breakdown & Bidding Hierarchy

The auction for the 20 MW floating solar package attracted a diverse field of six shortlisted firms, reflecting the competitive nature of the Indian renewable energy sector. U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited secured the contract by outperforming several established EPC players. While initial feasibility studies and early regional reports occasionally suggested a potential capacity of 35 MW for the Maroda Reservoir-2 site, official bidding documents confirm the final award is for a 20 MW installation.

The bidding hierarchy and final results are summarized in the table below:

Auction Results: Bidding Hierarchy for NSPCL 20 MW Floating Solar

The pricing spread between U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited and the other participants illustrates the fine margins currently defining the floating solar market, as contractors balance technical complexities with competitive capital costs.

Detailed Scope of Work & Technical Requirements

The comprehensive EPC contract awarded to U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited involves an exhaustive 31-point scope of work, as detailed in the technical specifications. The contractor is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from initial surveys to long-term maintenance.

• Engineering & Pre-Commissioning: The scope includes basic and detailed engineering for the Grid Interactive Solar PV Plant. Critical pre-commissioning activities mandate a bathymetry survey of the reservoir, topographical surveys, and geo-technical investigations of the land and water body. The contractor must also provide all structural design calculations and equipment layouts.
• Infrastructure & Supply: U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited will supply and install the PV modules, specialized floaters, and anchoring and mooring systems. The project involves constructing a Pre-Engineered type Inverter room or platform equipped with central or string inverters and associated LT and HT switchgear.
• Power Evacuation: A major technical undertaking involves the 33 kV underground cabling system connecting the pooling switchgears of the floating solar plant to the existing 132 kV NSPCL Bhilai Switchyard. This requires multiple railway crossings and the augmentation of the 132 kV bay, including bus bar extensions and integration with the Substation Automation System (SAS).
• Monitoring & Compensation: The mandate includes a Reactive power compensation system to ensure grid stability. For monitoring, the contractor will install a SCADA-based Central Monitoring and Control Station (CMCS), a complete Weather Monitoring Station (including cloud cover sensors), and a comprehensive CCTV system.
• O&M and Maintenance: Following the functional guarantee tests, the contractor will provide three years of comprehensive Operation & Maintenance (O&M). This includes a “wet-method” module cleaning system and the provision of special tools and tackles required for plant upkeep.

The project is slated for completion within one year of the contract award, following a strictly monitored execution timeline.

Regional Context & Floating Solar Trends in Chhattisgarh

The installation at Maroda Reservoir-2 serves as a strategic asset for the Bhilai Steel Plant, the flagship unit of SAIL. The project capitalizes on the specific advantages of floating solar technology: minimizing the use of precious industrial land, reducing water loss through evaporation, and utilizing the water’s natural cooling effect to enhance PV module efficiency.

NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL) has followed an aggressive renewable transition roadmap in the region. According to company records, the history of this transition includes:

• Maroda Reservoir-1: In June 2026, the company commissioned its first renewable project, a 15 MW floating solar plant, generating approximately 34.26 million units annually for captive consumption.
• Rooftop Initiatives: In collaboration with the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), NSPCL is implementing a 2 MW solar system on plant buildings and a 3 MW project for township residences, expected to mitigate 2,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The broader context of NSPCL’s operations highlights a significant shift from traditional thermal power. The company’s legacy fleet includes the 2×250 MW Bhilai plant (commissioned in 2009), a 1×250 MW thermal unit at Rourkela (2022), and two 20 MW units at Durgapur (commissioned in 2022 and March 2024). As of July 1, 2026, NSPCL’s total installed capacity stands at 1119 MW. The awarding of the ₹127.47 crore contract for the 20 MW Maroda-2 project signals the company’s increasing reliance on non-fossil fuel-based generation to meet the heavy industrial energy demands of the steel sector.

Official Reference Sources

For further technical details, official documentation, and future bidding updates, please refer to the following official portals:

• NTPC-SAIL Power Company Limited (NSPCL) Official Website: www.nspcl.co.in
• Government e-procurement portal of NIC (GePNIC): https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app
• Official Invitation for Bids (IFB) & Corrigendum: Bidding Document No. CMCC260018