NLC Floats Tender For 1,850 Acres To Build ISTS Solar Project
The tender requires bidders to undertake the full scope of work, including securing Extra High Voltage transmission lines, land fencing and land procurement, as well as developing the power-evacuation system. The successful bidder must arrange 1,850 acres of government or private land—either on a freehold or leasehold basis—in any of the following states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu or Telangana.
As part of the scope, bidders must also execute the power-evacuation package and secure connectivity for the ISTS-linked solar PV project. Land may be offered through leasehold, freehold or a combination of both, subject to conditions such as:
Minimum average solar irradiation of 1,850 kWh/m²
Lease tenure of at least 29 years and 11 months
Clear land title free of encroachments, litigation and encumbrances
Suitability for solar-project development
Multiple land parcels may be submitted, provided each parcel is at least 400 acres and all parcels are located within 50 km of the CTUIL station.
Connectivity Requirement
The bidder is responsible for securing ISTS connectivity under the Land BG Route of the GNA Regulation. A bank guarantee of Rs 1 million per MW must be furnished in lieu of ownership, lease or land-use rights for at least 50 per cent of the land required for the capacity for which connectivity is sought.
NIRL will cover connectivity charges, including the land bank guarantee and other guarantees required for the first-time application. However, it will not be liable if CTU refuses connectivity—for reasons such as lack of capacity at the chosen substation. If any financial implications arise (including encashment of land or connectivity guarantees) due to non-arrangement of land, the bidder must compensate NIRL.