(ET)
NTPC’s latest tender for solar projects for 1,200 MW found no bidder, the first total rejection by project developers since the navratna state firm started inviting bids for renewable energy, forcing it to extend the deadline, sources close to the development told.
According to the terms of the tender, transmission connectivity for these projects is expected to be provided through substations at existing NTPC thermal power plant sites. States specified are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat.
“Projects would have to be located close to those power plants and acquiring land in these locations might be more expensive compared to more remote areas where solar projects are typically set up,” said Vinay Rustagi, managing director of renewable energy consultancy firm Bridge To India.