NTPC, one of India's leading power generation companies, has recently issued an invitation for bids to establish a total of 1,500 megawatts (MW) of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power projects across the country. Each individual project is required to have a minimum capacity of 50 MW, while the maximum capacity that a bidder can quote should not exceed 750 MW.

The deadline for submitting bids online is set for October 27, 2023, with bid openings scheduled for the same day. Interested parties must adhere to a bid processing fee structure, which includes ?300,000 (approximately $3,603) plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) for projects with a quoted capacity of up to 50 MW. For capacities exceeding 50 MW and up to 100 MW, the fee is ?500,000 (around $6,005) plus GST. Projects exceeding 100 MW and up to 250 MW will incur a fee of ?21 million (approximately $12,011) plus GST, while capacities surpassing 250 MW and up to 500 MW will require a fee of ?2 million (about $24,021). Finally, for projects exceeding 500 MW, the fee is ?3 million (equivalent to $36,032) plus GST.

This initiative by NTPC aims to further bolster India's renewable energy sector and enhance its commitment to sustainable power generation.