NTPC has issued an invitation for bids to develop wind-solar hybrid projects with a total capacity of 1,500 MW that will be connected to the interstate transmission system throughout India. The deadline for submitting bids online is set for October 17, 2023, with bid opening scheduled for the same day.

Each project site is required to have a minimum capacity of 50 MW. Bidders are obligated to pay a bid processing fee based on the project's capacity: Rs 300,000 (USD 3,064) + GST for capacities up to 50 MW, USD 6,008 + GST for capacities exceeding 50 MW but not exceeding 100 MW, Rs 1 million (USD 12,016 + GST) for capacities over 100 MW but not exceeding 250 MW, Rs 2 million (USD 24,033) + GST for capacities exceeding 250 MW but not exceeding 500 MW, and Rs 3 million (USD 36,049) + GST for capacities greater than 500 MW. Contractors must also make an upfront deposit of Rs 1.16 million (USD 13,939) per MW.

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will be established between NTPC and the successful bidders, in collaboration with state-owned power distribution companies, to secure the designated capacity. The use of well-established and operational technologies is mandated to minimize technological risks and ensure timely project commencement. To qualify, bidders must possess a net worth of at least Rs 11.46 million (USD 73,901) per MW of the listed capacity for the previous fiscal year.

It is the responsibility of the project developer to secure an interstate transmission system connection. Additionally, only wind turbine models that are type-certified and listed in the updated list of models and manufacturers will be accepted for these projects.

Furthermore, NTPC has made it mandatory for solar modules to be selected from the list of approved models and manufacturers published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The hybrid power producers are required to maintain a consistent energy supply to achieve an annual supply equivalent to a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of at least 80% of the declared value and exceeding 120% of the published CUF value within the 25-year PPA term. Recently, NTPC also issued a tender for a 120 MW ground-mounted solar project and a 56 MW floating solar project at the NTPC Ramagundam thermal power plant in Telangana.

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