NTPC REL Tenders 1 GW Solar Modules for Uttar Pradesh Projects

Background and Context

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of India’s largest power producer, has officially initiated the procurement process for solar components as part of its aggressive expansion in Uttar Pradesh. The company has floated a significant tender for the supply of solar PV modules, specifically targeting a capacity of 1 GW. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster the state’s renewable energy infrastructure and meet the growing demand for clean power in the region.

Key Details

The scope of the NTPC REL solar module tender covers the manufacturing, supply, packing, forwarding, and transportation of crystalline bifacial solar PV modules. The technical specifications mandate a minimum nominal capacity of 570 Wp per module. A critical requirement for bidders is that all modules must be sourced from entities listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), as stipulated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The total DC capacity associated with these projects is 1,450 MWp. The deployment is split across two strategic locations: two projects in the Lalitpur district with a capacity of 435 MWp each, and one project in the Chitrakoot district with a capacity of 580 MWp. Furthermore, the tender includes a requirement for the supply of 1% spare modules to ensure operational continuity and maintenance efficiency.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors and module manufacturers, this tender represents a major opportunity to secure high-volume orders within the Indian market. The strict adherence to the ALMM list highlights the government’s continued push for domestic manufacturing and quality assurance in the solar supply chain. Developers must account for the logistical complexities of transporting these modules to the specific sites in Lalitpur and Chitrakoot while maintaining the high-efficiency standards required for bifacial technology.

What Happens Next

The industry will now monitor the bid submission process and the subsequent announcement of the lowest (L1) bidders. As NTPC REL moves toward project execution, the focus will shift to the delivery timelines and the integration of these modules into the 1,450 MWp DC capacity infrastructure. This project serves as a bellwether for the India renewable energy sector, reflecting the scale and ambition of utility-scale solar developments currently driving the national energy transition.