NHPC Issues Tender For 1.2 GW Solar Project With ESS

NHPC Limited has now issued a tender seeking solar power generators for setting up of 1.2 GW solar power projects with 600MW/1200MWh (ESS) on anywhere in India. The company said that this project will be setup under an Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) transmission network. It also said that the bidders will get a Green Shoe Option. The tender sets October 18th as the last date for bid submission.

The tender mandates the installation of ESS with at least 0.5 MW/1 MWh capacity for every 1 MW contracted capacity as part of the project. It clarifies that ESS charged using a source other than solar power would not qualify as solar power.

Additionally, for the avoidance of doubt, the tender clarified that ESS may be owned by the solar project generator (SPG) or tied up separately with a third party by the SPG for the supply of power. The tender allows the SPG to change the ESS technology at any time during the term of the PPA. The document also places the onus on the SPG in case of any change in the ESS component during the term of the PPA, with intimation to NHPC.

Project Size

The tender placed a limit on the minimum project size of 50 MW (with a minimum ESS component of 25 MW/50 MWh) and in multiples of 10 MW thereafter under the OPEN category.

The tender added that the cumulative capacity offered should not exceed 600 MW (with a minimum ESS component of 300 MW/600 MWh) without the “Greenshoe Option” and 1200 MW (with a minimum ESS component of 600 MW/1200 MWh) for a bidder with the “Greenshoe Option.”

However, for projects located in North-Eastern States and Special Categories, the tender maintained the minimum quantum of Contracted Capacity at 30 MW (with a minimum ESS component of 15 MW/30 MWh) that can be offered by a Bidder, including its Parent, Affiliate, or Ultimate Parent, or any Group Company.

Technology Selection

The tender said, “For selection of projects will be technology-agnostic within the technology mentioned above. Crystalline Silicon, Thin Film, or CPV, with or without trackers, can be installed. Only commercially established and operational technologies can be used to minimize technology risk and ensure timely commissioning of the projects.”

Additionally, the tender said, “Developers/Generators who have already commissioned Solar PV plants or are in the process of constructing such plants and have untied capacity may also participate in the bid. Developers who have already set up capacity or who have the spare untied capacity (that is unencumbered by any power supply commitments or power purchase agreements and is available for augmenting the proposed RE power under this RfS) may also participate in the bid.” The tender does not offer any separate Central Financial Assistance for implementing the Projects selected under this RfS.