NTPC Mining Limited (NML) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to select developers for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic projects with a cumulative capacity of 50 MWp (DC) / 40 MW (AC). The projects are located at coal mining sites in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, with a non-binding submission deadline of September 1, 2026, intended to assess market interest and identify early-stage implementation challenges.
Key Tender Details and Capacity Breakdown
The proposed capacity is divided equally between two mining projects. NML has provided land availability data for these sites, noting that while approximately 80 acres per site is earmarked for the projects, total available land is greater to allow for engineering optimizations.
| Mining Project | Earmarked Area | Location (State/District) | DC Capacity (MWp) | AC Capacity (MW) | Completion Period |
| Pakribarwadih (PBCMP) | Overburden Dump-C | Hazaribagh, Jharkhand | 25 | 20 | 18 Months |
| Talaipalli (TLCMP) | MGR Bulb Area | Sundargarh, Chhattisgarh | 25 | 20 | 15 Months |
Site-Specific Characteristics:
- Pakribarwadih: The project is located at an elevation of approximately 90 meters on Overburden Dump-C. The total surface area of the dump is approximately 150 hectares. NML has indicated that the project capacity at this site could potentially be increased to 30–35 MWp during the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.
- Talaipalli: The site offers 112 available acres in the MGR Bulb Area for the installation of the 80-acre project footprint.
RESCO Model Specifications
The projects will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, a commercial arrangement where the developer bears capital costs in exchange for long-term power sales. The terms include:
- Developer Responsibilities: Selected firms will be responsible for the financing, design, engineering, procurement, construction, ownership, and long-term operation of the solar plants.
- NML’s Role: As the consumer, NML will procure 100% of the generated electricity for captive consumption under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
- Tariff Determination: Final tariffs for the energy supply will be established via competitive bidding or a reverse auction process at the RFP stage.
- PPA and O&M Duration: The commercial agreement and comprehensive maintenance obligations will span a 25-year period.
Timeline and Submission Deadlines
The following table outlines the critical dates for the EoI process (Tender Reference No. SSC-NMLHQ-EOI-RESCO-128969 / NML/Engg/EOI/01):
- Date of NIT Issue/Publication: August 11, 2026
- Document Sale Start Date: August 11, 2026, 17:00
- Deadline for Clarification Queries: August 18, 2026
- Bid Submission End Date and Time: September 1, 2026, 15:00
Submissions must be filed digitally through the NTPC e-procurement portal. No Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) or Performance Bank Guarantee is required at this preliminary EoI stage.
Scope of Work and Technical Responsibilities
Developers participating in this transition initiative must adhere to the following technical and administrative requirements:
Technical Metrics Checklist
- Achieve a minimum Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 22%.
- Maintain a minimum DC/AC ratio of 1.25.
- Execute minor site leveling and site preparation at the earmarked mining locations.
- Provide comprehensive Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a 25-year tenure.
Administrative Eligibility
- Eligible participants include Indian firms or companies, consortiums (limited to three members), Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), and State Government PSUs.
- The EoI is non-binding and is designed to refine technical and commercial bid conditions based on industry feedback.
Corporate Background and Strategic Mandate
NTPC Mining Limited (NML) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited, primarily tasked with coal mining operations to fuel the group’s power generation fleet. The current solar initiative represents a strategic move to reduce NML’s carbon footprint and decrease its operational dependence on conventional power sources. By utilizing available mining land—specifically overburden dumps and bulb areas—NML aims to integrate renewable energy into its industrial infrastructure for captive power consumption.
Here are the official, direct links for the NTPC Mining RESCO Solar Tender (NIT No. SSC-NMLHQ-EOI-RESCO-128969) that you can copy and paste directly into your news article:
Official Tender & Bidding Links
- Official Tender Details Page: NTPC Tender NIT No. SSC-NMLHQ-EOI-RESCO-128969
- Detailed EOI Tender Document (PDF): Detailed NIT PDF Download
- Official E-Tendering Portal (for bidding): NTPC E-Tendering System (SRM)
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