NTPC REL Tenders 200 MW Solar BoS Package in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Background and Context

NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) continues to aggressively expand its solar footprint in Rajasthan, a state that remains the epicenter of India’s utility-scale solar development. As part of its strategy to streamline project execution, the company has issued a tender for a balance-of-system (BoS) package for a 200 MW solar power project located in Bikaner. This move follows a series of recent large-scale tenders by NTPC REL, including a 900 MW solar project in Fatehgarh and a 900 MW wind project in Anantapur, signaling a robust pipeline for domestic EPC contractors.

Key Details

The scope of work for the successful bidder is comprehensive, encompassing the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar power project. Notably, the supply of solar modules is excluded from this scope. Furthermore, the contractor will be responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the project for a period of three years following commissioning.

Financial and technical eligibility criteria are stringent. Bidders must demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least Rs 660 million (~$7.08 million) over the preceding three financial years. Additionally, the bidder’s net worth as of the last day of the preceding financial year must be at least 100% of their paid-up share capital. On the technical front, bidders are required to have executed at least one electrical substation at a voltage level of 33 kV or higher, including critical equipment such as power transformers and circuit breakers, either as a developer or an EPC contractor.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender represents a high-value opportunity to leverage existing expertise in substation construction and system integration. By excluding module supply, NTPC REL is likely looking to manage module procurement risks internally while relying on specialized contractors for the balance-of-plant infrastructure. The mandatory three-year O&M clause ensures that contractors remain invested in the long-term performance of the plant, necessitating high-quality installation standards.

What Happens Next

The deadline for bid submission is May 5, 2026. Interested parties must submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 50 million (~$536,280). Technical bids will be opened on the same day as the submission deadline. Given the competitive nature of Rajasthan-based solar projects, contractors should ensure all documentation regarding substation experience and financial solvency is prepared well in advance of the May deadline.