NREL invites bids from module makers for 15,000 MW solar panels

20 Oct 2021 CW Team

Considering the firm's future renewable energy capacity enhancement targets, NREL wants to enter into long term sourcing partners for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio either by way of direct sourcing tie ups or by contract manufacturing.

NTPC had included NREL to concentrate on its green energy business in October 2020, as it strives to achieve 60,000 MW of green capacity by 2032 from the present level of about 1,400 MW. Approximately 75% of the 2032 green energy target is likely to come from solar.

Modules made up of imported solar cells will also be eligible, NREL said, adding that the goal of this EoI is to assess the upcoming capacities of the domestic solar PV module makers, their techno-commercial needs to begin the process of long term sourcing tie-ups.

The development comes at a time when 10,000 MW capacity of new integrated solar manufacturing plants are likely to be installed under the Rs 4,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme of the government. The government has got applications for a cumulative production capacity of 54,809 MW under the scheme from 19 firms, comprising Adani, Vikram Solar, Acme Solar, ReNew Power, Reliance Industries Limited, Tata Power, L&T and state-run Coal India Limited.

Presently, the nation’s annual module production capacity stands at about 10,000 MW and cell output capacity at 3,000 MW. From the start of FY23, solar module and cell imports will draw basic customs duty of 40% and 25%, respectively. Module costs constitute approximately 60% of the total project expenditure for solar facilities.

Image Source

Also read: SECI's 2.5 GW grid-connected renewable project awarded to five bidders

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL), the renewable energy arm of state-run power producer NTPC, has called for expression of interest (EoI) from domestic module companies to obtain 15,000 MW of solar panels for its projects over the coming five years. Considering the firm's future renewable energy capacity enhancement targets, NREL wants to enter into long term sourcing partners for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio either by way of direct sourcing tie ups or by contract manufacturing. NTPC had included NREL to concentrate on its green energy business in October 2020, as it strives to achieve 60,000 MW of green capacity by 2032 from the present level of about 1,400 MW. Approximately 75% of the 2032 green energy target is likely to come from solar. Modules made up of imported solar cells will also be eligible, NREL said, adding that the goal of this EoI is to assess the upcoming capacities of the domestic solar PV module makers, their techno-commercial needs to begin the process of long term sourcing tie-ups. The development comes at a time when 10,000 MW capacity of new integrated solar manufacturing plants are likely to be installed under the Rs 4,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme of the government. The government has got applications for a cumulative production capacity of 54,809 MW under the scheme from 19 firms, comprising Adani, Vikram Solar, Acme Solar, ReNew Power, Reliance Industries Limited, Tata Power, L&T and state-run Coal India Limited. Presently, the nation’s annual module production capacity stands at about 10,000 MW and cell output capacity at 3,000 MW. From the start of FY23, solar module and cell imports will draw basic customs duty of 40% and 25%, respectively. Module costs constitute approximately 60% of the total project expenditure for solar facilities. Image Source Also read: SECI's 2.5 GW grid-connected renewable project awarded to five bidders

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..