NHPC Opens Bids For 1.2 GW Wind-Solar Hybrid Tender

NHPC recently issued a tender to select developers for a 1.2 GW wind-solar hybrid project, with or without energy storage systems. The project includes a greenshoe option, and bids are invited until January 16, 2025.

The bidders may use technology-agnostic resources such as crystalline silicon, thin film, or CPV technologies, with or without trackers, for the solar component. The tender added that the cumulative capacity offered for this project shouldn’t exceed 600 MW without “Greenshoe Option” and 1200 MW for a bidder with “Greenshoe Option.

However, for the projects located in northeastern states and special categories, the minimum quantum of Contracted Capacity that can be offered by a Bidder, including its Parent, Affiliate or Ultimate Parent, or any Group Company, would be 30 MW. The tender does not include any separate central financial assistance for implementing the projects. For a wind-solar hybrid project, the rated power capacity of one resource (wind or solar) must be at least 33% of the total contracted capacity.

Bidders will be responsible for identifying land, installing, and owning the project(s), as well as obtaining connectivity, necessary approvals, and interconnection with the ISTS network. The supply of power to NHPC will fall under the scope of the HPD/HPG.

Hybrid Power Project Configuration

The tender outlines a possible “wind-solar hybrid power” configuration for a contracted capacity of 500 MW. For example, this could include 500 MW from the solar PV component, 165 MW from the wind power component, and 0 MW from the energy storage system (ESS) component. The renewable energy (RE) component, including the ESS charged with RE sources (if any), procured under this RfS, will be eligible for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance. The power procured from the project may be used to fulfill RPO requirements in proportion to the rated capacities of the solar and wind power components in the plant.