NVVN Issues EoI for Solar Open Access Power: Target Tariffs at ₹3.00–3.65/kWh for C&I and DISCOMs

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the procurement of solar power from operational NTPC projects at indicative ex-bus tariffs of ₹3.00–3.65/kWh. Targeting Commercial & Industrial (C&I) consumers, DISCOMs, and other large-scale buyers, the EoI requires a minimum capacity request of 5 MW. The submission deadline for the market assessment exercise is September 1, 2026.

Project Capacity and Source Details

The solar power offered through this EoI will be sourced exclusively from the existing portfolio of operational solar plants under NTPC Limited. Unlike separate captive initiatives currently being developed by NTPC Mining Limited for coal mine sites, this procurement focuses on available generation from NTPC’s established solar assets.

The procurement is structured via an “open access” model, allowing eligible consumers to bypass local distribution licensees. This mechanism facilitates the supply of reliable renewable energy through:

• Power Supply Agreements (PSA)
• Bilateral negotiations based on surplus operational capacity
• Short-term, medium-term, or long-term supply arrangements

Tariff Structure and Commercial Terms

The EoI serves as a market assessment tool to identify buyer requirements and commercial expectations.

• Ex-Bus Pricing: The indicative price range for solar power is established at ₹3.00 to ₹3.65 per kWh.
• Supply Durations: Procurement can be structured on short-term (less than 1 year), medium-term (1–3 years), or long-term (more than 3 years) bases.
• ISTS Charge Waivers: Applicants may qualify for Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waivers. These provisions range between 75% and 100%, contingent upon specific project conditions and applicable grid connectivity regulations.
• Financial Guarantees: No Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) or Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) is required at this stage. Final commercial conditions and security requirements will be determined during subsequent formal tendering or bilateral negotiations.

Eligibility Criteria and Target Consumers

NVVN has opened the EoI to a diverse range of large-scale electricity consumers. All applicants must seek a minimum solar power capacity of 5 MW.

Target Industrial Sectors:

• Aluminum, steel, and cement
• Fertilizers, sugar, and paper
• Chemicals and petroleum refining

Other Eligible Entities:

• Data centers and IT parks
• Railways and metro rail systems
• Ports and airports
• Commercial establishments, registered trusts, and eligible consortia

Administrative Requirements: Interested participants must provide the following credentials:

• Valid Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN)
• Permanent Account Number (PAN)

Regulatory Context: Electricity (Amendment) Rules 2026

This initiative is underpinned by the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Power on March 13, 2026 (Notification No. G.S.R. 186(E)). These rules refine the framework for “Captive” status to facilitate green energy adoption.

• Captive Status Requirements: To qualify as a captive user, an entity must hold at least 26% ownership in the generating plant and consume a minimum of 51% of the annual energy generated.
• Proportionate Consumption in AoP Structures: For Association of Persons (AoP) or SPV structures, individual captive benefits are capped at 100% of the member’s proportionate entitlement. However, any member holding 26% or more ownership is exempt from this cap; their full actual consumption qualifies as captive consumption.
• Energy Storage Systems (ESS): The 2026 rules expressly recognize electricity consumed through an ESS connected to a captive generating plant as valid captive consumption.
• Verification Framework: Intra-state captive status is verified by a State-designated Nodal Agency, while inter-state arrangements fall under the jurisdiction of the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).

Timeline and Submission Process

The key milestone dates for the EoI process are as follows:

Submissions must be directed to the DGM (C&M), NVVN Limited, 5th Floor, NTPC EOC, Noida, or submitted via the official NTPC e-tender portal. The EoI aims to quantify buyer interest regarding preferred capacities and contract durations to facilitate future Power Supply Agreements.

The official tender links for the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) solar open access Expression of Interest (EoI), NIT No. NVVN/BD/C&I/EOI/2026-27, formatted for you to copy and paste directly into your news article:

• Official Tender Details Page: Readers can view the complete tender details, regional classifications, and contact information on the official NTPC Tender Portal: NTPC Tender Details (NIT No. NVVN/BD/C&I/EOI/2026-27)
• E-Tender Portal (Bidding Link): To participate in bidding, applicants can navigate directly to NTPC’s official SAP-based E-Tender platform: Official NTPC E-Tender Site
• Detailed NIT Document Download: For direct access to the official Expression of Interest guideline document, readers can download the PDF file (470.2 KB) directly from NTPC’s server: Download Detailed NIT PDF Document