RECPDCL Launches Tenders For 1.75 GW Solar In India

• RECPDCL has launched 2 separate tenders seeking solar power developers for a combined 1.75 GW capacity
• This capacity has been tendered under the scheme for flexibility in generation and scheduling of thermal/hydro power stations through bundling with renewable energy and storage
• The 1.25 GW ISTS-connected tender has been launched in behalf of NTPC Limited, while 500 MW is for DVC

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) is looking for solar power developers for interstate transmission system- (ISTS) connected projects with a combined capacity of 1.75 GW under tenders launched on behalf of NTPC Limited and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

Both the tenders fall under the scheme for flexibility in generation and scheduling of thermal/hydro power stations through bundling with renewable energy and storage.

It has tendered this capacity through 2 separate tenders, and requires it to be executed on build-own-operate (BOO) basis. For 1.25 GW capacity under tranche I, for which RECPDCL is the will be procured by NTPC Limited under 25-year power purchase agreements (PPA) with successful bidders with an aim to replace thermal power through existing PPAs of the national utility with various discoms.

According to the request for selection (RFS) documents, if the thermal generator is unable to replace thermal power, then solar power from the 1.25 GW capacity can be sold in the exchange.

Projects can be installed anywhere in India, according to RECPDCL that has issued the tender as bid process coordinator. Minimum capacity of a single project should be 300 MW, and the successful bidder can bid for the entire 1.25 GW with contracted capacity quoted in the multiple of 50 MW only.

Launched on December 2, 2022, the last date is December 26, 2022 for online and December 28, 2022 for offline submissions.

The 500 MW solar tender has been launched by RECPDCL on behalf of DVC that will eventually enter into 25-year PPAs with the winners. It will then sell the same to 3^rd party or power exchange. Power procured by DVC from these projects has been provisioned to replace thermal power through its existing PPAs with various discoms.

Interested bidder can submit a single bid for a minimum 50 MW, and a maximum of 500 MW quoting it in multiple of 50 MW only.

Last date for online bid submission for the 500 MW tender is December 23, 2022 while offline submissions will be accepted till December 27, 2022.

The 1^st multipurpose river valley project of independent India, DVC was looking for consultants to carry out topographical and contour survey for close to 200 acres of land to host solar PV projects in January 2022 (see Solar Power For Indian Power Generator).