NTPC REL 550 MW Solar EPC Tender in Rajasthan: Key Details for Bidders (June 2026)

Key Takeaways

• Agency: NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL)
• Capacity: 550 MW grid-connected solar PV (tracker-based)
• Location: Near Shimbhoo Ka Burj, Rajasthan
• Tender Code: NTPCREL-2026-TN000020
• Bid submission deadline: June 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM IST
• Minimum annual turnover: Rs 311.5 crore (3-year average)
• EMD: Rs 20 crore
• EPC scope: Full turnkey including 3-year O&M
• Technology: Tracker-based module mounting structures

What Is This Tender?

On June 3, 2026, NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) — the renewable energy arm of India's largest power company — issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a full EPC contract to set up a 550 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power project at Shimbhoo Ka Burj in Rajasthan.

Tender Code NTPCREL-2026-TN000020 is a single, large-scale EPC package for one of the biggest solar project development efforts by NTPC REL in 2026. At 550 MW, this is a project scale typically accessible only to India's largest EPC companies — those with the financial, technical, and logistical capability to execute a project of this size within NTPC's strict quality and timeline requirements.

The project will use tracker-based module mounting structures — single-axis trackers that follow the sun's movement east to west throughout the day, improving energy yield by 15–25% compared to fixed-tilt structures. Tracker-based systems have become the standard for large utility-scale ground-mount solar projects in India due to their superior economics at this scale.

NTPC REL is financing the project through its own internal resources and borrowings — meaning this is a captive NTPC project, not a Power Purchase Agreement procurement for a state DISCOM. NTPC REL will own and operate the asset and sell power to its various contracted offtakers.

EPC Scope of Work

The selected EPC contractor will be responsible for the complete project lifecycle from site preparation to commissioning, including:

Site preparation:

• Site grading and vegetation clearance
• Topographical surveys
• Geotechnical investigations
• Internal roads, pathways, and drainage systems

Civil and electrical construction:

• Foundation design and construction for tracker mounting structures
• Tracker system supply, installation, and commissioning
• Solar PV module supply and installation
• HT cable installation up to 33 kV Main Pooling Switchgear

Auxiliary systems:

• Module cleaning facilities
• CCTV-based remote monitoring and security network
• Mandatory spare parts provision

Operation and maintenance:

• 3-year O&M period from Commercial Operation Date (COD)

The full turnkey scope — from site clearing to 3 years of O&M — makes this a comprehensive contract. NTPC REL has a reputation for stringent quality requirements, detailed technical specifications, and demanding project management oversight, which distinguishes its EPC tenders from state government contracts.

Bidding Process and Timeline

The bid submission deadline of June 26, 2026 gives prospective bidders approximately three weeks from the IFB issue date. This is a relatively tight timeline for a 550 MW EPC bid, requiring bidders to have pre-prepared technical and commercial teams ready to respond.

Bidding process:

• Single-stage, two-envelope system (separate techno-commercial and price bid envelopes)
• Reverse auction process to follow initial bid evaluation
• Online submission via ISN Electronic Tender Services portal
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required before accessing full bid documents

The reverse auction process — where shortlisted bidders participate in a live online price-discovery event — adds a layer of competitive price discovery beyond the initial bid submission. This is increasingly common in large EPC tenders for NTPC and SECI projects.

Eligibility Criteria

The Rs 311.5 crore minimum annual turnover requirement (averaging across the last 3 financial years) effectively limits participation to large, established EPC companies. For reference, at NTPC's indicative EPC cost of Rs 3.5–4.5 crore per MW, a 550 MW project has a contract value in the range of Rs 1,925–2,475 crore — making the Rs 311.5 crore turnover threshold approximately 10–16% of total contract value, a standard financial screen.

The Rs 20 crore EMD is also a meaningful commitment, further filtering to well-capitalised bidders.

Location: Shimbhoo Ka Burj, Rajasthan

Rajasthan is India's premier solar state — with Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 5.5–6.2 kWh/m2/day across most of the state, significantly above the national average. Shimbhoo Ka Burj (also written as Shimbhu Ka Burj) is in Rajasthan's high-irradiance desert zone, making it an optimal location for large-scale ground-mount solar with tracker systems.

The location near existing or planned transmission infrastructure is typical for NTPC REL site selection — the company identifies sites where ISTS grid connectivity can be secured within the project development timeline.

At 550 MW, this project is one of the larger single-site solar installations in India's western desert region. Rajasthan already hosts some of India's largest solar parks, including the Bhadla Solar Park (2,245 MW) and the Bikaner Solar Park cluster. NTPC REL's continued investment in Rajasthan reflects the state's unmatched solar resource and improving land acquisition and transmission infrastructure.

What This Means for EPC Companies and Industrial Solar Buyers

For large EPC companies with the turnover and technical capability to qualify for NTPC REL tenders, this 550 MW project is one of the most significant EPC opportunities of Q2 2026. NTPC REL's reputation as a reliable, financially strong client — and its track record of timely payment and project management rigour — makes these tenders highly sought after despite the demanding qualifications.

For mid-sized EPC companies, the Rs 311.5 crore turnover threshold and Rs 20 crore EMD place this tender out of reach for direct participation. However, companies that can qualify as technology partners (tracker suppliers, module suppliers, civil subcontractors) to the main EPC bidder can benefit from this procurement indirectly.

For industrial solar buyers in Rajasthan, NTPC REL's large-scale solar development reinforces the state's position as India's solar hub. The active development pipeline — including this 550 MW tender — contributes to a mature EPC and supply chain ecosystem in Rajasthan, which in turn supports the development of industrial captive solar and open-access solar projects for private consumers.

Rajasthan's solar sector is attracting both central public sector and private investment at scale, creating a favourable environment for industrial buyers exploring solar energy. See our guide to industrial solar in Rajasthan for a comprehensive overview of open access, captive, and RESCO options in the state.

About NTPC REL

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) is the wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited dedicated to renewable energy development. NTPC REL has set an ambitious target of 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. In 2026, NTPC REL has been among India's most active EPC tender issuers, alongside issuing tenders for pumped hydro storage projects. The company has also recently awarded an EPC contract to Enrich Energy for a separate 300 MW solar project, indicating its parallel project development track.

NTPC REL's recent Rajasthan solar EPC tenders include this 550 MW Shimbhoo Ka Burj project and the 300 MW project recently awarded to Enrich Energy — together representing nearly 850 MW of new solar development by NTPC in Rajasthan in 2026 alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full EPC scope of the NTPC REL 550 MW tender?

The EPC scope covers the complete project from site preparation to commissioning, including site grading, geotechnical surveys, tracker system installation, solar PV module supply and installation, 33 kV HT cable work to the Main Pooling Switchgear, CCTV and remote monitoring, module cleaning facilities, and 3 years of O&M after commissioning.

What technology does the project use?

The project uses tracker-based module mounting structures — single-axis solar trackers that move solar panels to follow the sun's path throughout the day. Trackers typically improve energy yield by 15–25% compared to fixed-tilt systems and are standard for utility-scale ground-mount projects in Rajasthan.

What is the bidding deadline?

Bids must be submitted online by 2:00 PM IST on June 26, 2026. Technical bids will be opened at 2:30 PM on the same day. A reverse auction process will follow for shortlisted bidders.

What financial qualifications are required?

Bidders must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 311.5 crore over the last 3 financial years and submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 20 crore. A Non-Disclosure Agreement is required before accessing the full bid document set.

Who is financing this project?

NTPC REL is financing the project through its own internal resources and borrowings. This is not a DISCOM procurement or state government tender — NTPC REL will own the 550 MW plant and sell power to its contracted offtakers.

Sources

• NTPC REL Floats EPC Tender For 550 MW Solar PV Project In Rajasthan — SolarQuarter (June 4, 2026)
• NTPC REL Launches Tenders for 300 MW Solar EPC Project and 2 GW Pumped Hydro Storage — PV Magazine India (June 3, 2026)
• Enrich Energy Bags EPC Contract from NTPC REL for 300 MW Solar Project — Mercom India
• India Solar EPC Company Guide