NHPC Invites Bids For Wind Solar Power in India

NHPC plans to buy 1,500 MW from ISTS-connected Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects. This project will involve a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the selected bidders and Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) including online bidding and a reverse auction.

NHPC plans to build ISTS-connected Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Projects with or without Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in India with HPD/HPG partners. NHPC will buy and sell generated power to state utilities, Discoms, and others.

On a back-to-back basis, NHPC will facilitate electricity procurement from HPDs and sale to buying companies. Power generators and buyers are protected by this strategy.

The minimum TBCB project size is 50 MW, with additional multiples of 10 MW under the open category, totaling up to 750 MW. A single-stage two-envelope bidding process—Technical Bid (Envelope-I) and Financial Bid (Envelope-II) followed by a reverse auction—will select bidders.

NHPC offers Accelerated Depreciation, Concessional Customs and Excise Duties, and Tax Holidays to bidders for renewable energy projects to promote growth. These incentives will not affect selection criteria, levelling the playing field for bidders.

Bidders must submit a single tariff for all capacity, which will apply during the 25-year PPA. NHPC can activate the PPA with the new owner, who must follow all terms and conditions, if the project is sold.

This project requires HPDs to build Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Projects with specialized transmission networks up to the Interconnection/Delivery Point for wind, solar PV, and ESS capacity. The technology-agnostic selection method prioritizes project viability and effect.

NHPC may remove the request for bids without explanation and is not liable for the consequences.

Interested buyers must submit a ₹35 million Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) before December 12, 2023.

The ambitious NHPC plan helps to India's renewable energy ambitions and allows private firms to participate in the sector. It is likely to spur significant investments and innovation in wind-solar hybrid power generation across India, bolstering its commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

News by Rahul Yelligetti