NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has invited bids for a land and power evacuation package to develop 230 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects with a battery energy storage system (BESS) near the 230 MW Ettayapuram solar project in Tamil Nadu.

Bids must be submitted by May 13, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day.

Bidders must submit a bidding document cost of ₹22,500 (~$259) and a bid security of ₹50 million (~$577,016).

Selected bidders must commission a 230 kV air-insulated pooling substation, which includes installing 230 kV/33 kV tie transformers with appropriate ratings in compliance with CEA standards. This scope also involves setting up the required substation automation and protection systems. A 33 kV pooling switchgear system must be established to connect the 230 MW of solar capacity with 230 MW of BESS.

Successful bidders must arrange land on a freehold basis—approximately 5 acres/MW—near the Ettayapuram solar project. They must conduct a topographic survey for the selected land parcels and geotechnical investigations for the pooling substation and transmission system if necessary.

They must also design and construct a single-circuit extra-high-voltage (EHV) transmission line using double-circuit towers, extending from the project’s pooling substation to the 230 kV switchyard at the Ettayapuram solar project. Additionally, successful bidders must secure the necessary right of way for this transmission line and construct a terminal bay at the NTPC Green Energy switchyard.

Successful bidders will operate and maintain the pooling substation, related infrastructure, EHV transmission lines, and terminal bays at the Ettayapuram solar project for three years following its commissioning.

Bidders must have arranged land for solar or wind projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 100 MW, including at least one project or park of 50 MW or more. These projects may already be commissioned or are yet to be commissioned.

Alternatively, bidders must have executed an industrial project in the power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, or coal mining sector worth at least ₹675 million (~$7.79 million) in the last ten years. They must also have completed projects as either a developer or an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.

Such projects must have been operational for at least one year for non-renewable or six months for renewable energy sectors before the date of the techno-commercial bid opening.

As developers or EPC contractors, bidders must have executed at least one electrical substation with a minimum voltage level of 33 kV. The substation must have been provided with circuit breakers and a power transformer. It must have also been operational for at least one year for non-renewable projects or six months for renewable energy projects before the bid opening date.

Bidders must have a minimum annual average turnover of ₹675 million (~$7.79  million)  during the last three financial years.

They must have had a positive net worth on the last day of the previous financial year.

In March this year, NTPC REL invited bids for the land and power evacuation package to develop 550 MW ISTS-connected solar projects with a battery energy storage system near the 550 MW Shimboo ka Burj solar project in Rajasthan.

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