All the news items since the launch of our web site are preserved in the archive section. The archive entries are freely accessible to all the users.
Jul 2025
Tunnel works for 700 MW hydel project attract mix of veterans and new entrants
8Six bidders vie for a high-altitude diversion tunnel package, with experienced hydro players competing alongside smaller infra firms. Complex Himalayan terrain and hydro-mechanical scope may test execution mettle.
8IRCON and Angelique enter the fray alongside established tunneling players, indicating wider interest in high-altitude civil hydro packages. Technical qualification outcomes may reshape market expectations.
8Unlike some earlier tunnel-only packages, this tender adds embedded parts and gate systems into civil works indicating a preference for bundled EPC delivery. Will bidders price in that risk?
8With environmental sensitivities and geological unpredictability, this package holds strategic value. Bidder selection could influence pace of downstream works, especially power house and penstock scheduling.
8A diversified bidder list hints at aggressive price plays, but execution complexity in the Northeast may tilt advantage to players with prior hydropower tunneling experience.
Bid deadline extended for water package linked to green hydrogen capacity rollout
8The bid deadline for a major 10 MLD water treatment plant EPC package, part of Green Hydrogen Projects in India, has been pushed to 29th July. This extension hints at potential scope complexity or bid preparation challenges, a trend often seen in early-stage infrastructure linked to Green Hydrogen Projects in India.
8India’s green hydrogen expansion is directly driving demand for associated water infrastructure. A central public sector green energy player has launched an EPC package for a 10 MLD water treatment plant in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant downstream integration move tied to Green Hydrogen Projects in India.
8As Green Hydrogen Projects in India scale up, developers are increasingly focusing on securing water resources and treatment capacity, making such tenders a critical part of the ecosystem. This water package reflects how Green Hydrogen Projects in India are creating ripple effects across multiple infrastructure sectors.
India’s first large-scale thermal CO2 capture project expands with full-scope balance of plant package
8The new tender for a thermal plant CO2 capture unit includes a comprehensive BOP scope covering liquefaction, storage, and utilities for a combined 675 TPD carbon capture capacity. The owner has bundled two years of O&M, indicating a shift toward turnkey carbon solutions.
8This project requires cryogenic CO2 storage and transfer systems built to coastal corrosion standards, including SS-304L pipelines and vapor barrier insulation. The specification signals the first large deployment of such systems in an Indian thermal retrofit.
8The BOP design mandates ultra-high purity CO2 output, with dehumidification and purification systems specified before liquefaction. This requirement exceeds typical gas handling standards in Indian thermal auxiliary contracts
Arihant secures transformer supply contract with aggressive low bid
8Arihant Transformers has emerged as L1 in the latest rate contract for 33/11 kV transformers under Madhya Pradesh's state distribution utility. Their Rs 59,000 per MVA bid for 5 MVA transformers undercuts rivals significantly, setting the tone for upcoming transformer procurements.
8While Arihant bagged the contract, Dynamech and Truvolt were declared L2 and L3 with bids at Rs 80,240 and Rs 1,29,800 per MVA respectively. The wide gap suggests intense pricing strategy by the winner, raising questions about sustainability.
8This rate contract covers supply of 5 MVA and 10 MVA transformers with stringent low loss targets 4/23 kW for 5 MVA and 8/50 kW for 10 MVA units. The focus is clearly on reducing technical losses in Madhya Pradesh’s distribution network.
8The tender attracted a broad pool of 14 bidders, reflecting sustained competition in India’s distribution transformer segment. Participation included major regional and national players, keeping pressure on pricing
Bihar transmission utility extends bid deadline for 132/33 kV substation and HTLS upgrades
8The state transmission company has pushed back the bid submission date for a critical turnkey package in South Bihar, involving a new 2x80 MVA substation and extensive HTLS reconductoring. Bidders now have time until 18th July to finalize offers.
8A new 132/33 kV substation in South Bihar, with 160 MVA capacity, is central to BSPTCL’s plan to strengthen regional transmission. The project includes LILO of existing lines and conductor upgrades to HTLS.
Bid deadline extended for 700MW hydro diversion tunnel works in Arunachal Pradesh
8NEEPCO has pushed the bid submission date to 25 July for the civil and hydro-mechanical package tied to the hydro electric project. This sixth corrigendum offers EPC firms more time for complex documentation and site strategy.
8The civil and hydro-mechanical contract critical to early-stage river diversion has seen a schedule shift, offering EPC firms extended lead time for preparation without altering scope or clauses. The delay underscores the procedural intensity often seen in hydropower project tenders in India.
8This is part of a broader pattern where hydropower project tenders in India especially in the northeast undergo multiple revisions to accommodate terrain challenges and documentation loads.
8EPC contractors eyeing hydropower project tenders in India are expected to recalibrate their bid timelines and JV structures accordingly.
8Corrigendums like these are common in hydropower project tenders in India, reflecting both the strategic significance and technical complexity of early-phase civil works.
Western MP utility seeks transformers to power network revamp
8MPPKVVCL’s latest tender invites transformer manufacturers to supply 178 large units as part of a capacity ramp-up in its urban and semi-urban substations.
8Targeted at improving distribution reliability, the tender covers standard substation-grade units with BIS certification and proven thermal design parameters.
BID TIMELINE STRETCHES 6 MONTHS ON LARGE NTPC PACKAGE
8The tender floated in January 2025 has now seen a six-month bidding window due to five successive extensions, reinforcing the scale and potential strategic importance of the underlying work
8The bidder must maintain 90% monthly DFR during peak hours and 80% during off-peak hours. Failure triggers penalties at 1.5 times the PPA tariff on the energy shortfall.
FIVE-WAY TECHNICAL RACE BEGINS FOR RAJASTHAN POWER SUPPLY TENDER
8All five bidders ranging from cable manufacturers to EPC players cleared the technical round, indicating a well-aligned pre-qualification structure and tight document compliance.
8All five bidders cleared the technical stage of a Rajasthan-based power supply tender, indicating clearly defined qualification norms and strong document compliance. The bidder mix suggests a likely focus on cable or conductor supply under a turnkey model. No rejections or clarifications hint at efficient pre-bid filtering and evaluation workflows
8Despite submitting closer to the deadline, both ABI and Lumino were cleared alongside early entrants like Polycab highlighting procedural fairness in evaluation.
ROUND-THE-CLOCK RE POWER BID SCALED TO 1,000 MW WITH EMBEDDED STORAGE
8Gujarat’s central power buyer has issued an ISTS-based tender for 500MW of firm, dispatchable RE with a greenshoe option of another 500MW. Energy storage is mandatory, with delivery required in a time-matched manner.
8The bid submission deadline has shifted from 07 July 2025 to 05 August 2025. Technical bid opening is now set for 08 August 2025, with reverse auction dates to be announced later.
8The bidder must maintain 90% monthly DFR during peak hours and 80% during off-peak hours. Failure triggers penalties at 1.5 times the PPA tariff on the energy shortfall.
RURAL DISTRIBUTION UPGRADE TENDER SEES AWARD AT Rs. 80 CRORE
8A sub-transmission EPC package under RDSS has been awarded to a private player at Rs. 80.48 crore. The project covers 33/11 kV substations and associated 33kV line works in a Rajasthan utility, targeting voltage improvement and rural grid stability
8A rural sub-transmission EPC project under the RDSS scheme has been awarded for Rs. 80.48 crore. The scope includes new 33/11kV substations, associated 33kV lines, SCADA-ready switchgear, and civil works. The package aims to reduce technical losses and enhance voltage reliability across rural feeders in a Rajasthan DISCOM network
8Comparative analysis shows post-bid rationalization in some equipment quantities and types especially panel specs and CT/PT ratings. Adjustments reflect site realities and utility feedback.While six firms bid, two were disqualified for lack of turnkey substation execution proof and missing mandatory documentation reflecting stricter scrutiny on eligibility
FEEDER-LINKED SEGMENTATION ENABLES DISTRICT-WISE EXECUTION UNDER UNIFORM SPECS.
8 While work is segmented across districts like Pali, Sirohi, Barmer, and Jalore, the technical specs, scope design, and contractual obligations remain consistent—enabling scale with regional granularity.
8The bid submission deadline was extended twice from the original 26 June to 3 July and then again to 9 July. The extensions reflect a high bidder interest and complex technical documentation needing more response time.
8Amendments issued under certain packages allow technically capable but less experienced firms to participate, subject to meeting baseline criteria
EIGHT FIRMS QUALIFY IN DLMS-COMPLIANT METER SUPPLY BID FOR LARGE DISCOM TENDER
8Eight bidders, including notable metering OEMs and integrators, cleared the technical round for a large-scale single-phase meter supply tender under a North India distribution utility.
8The procurement covers DLMS-compliant static meters bundled with tamper-proof boxes and sealing systems.
8The tender saw entries from well-known OEMs across India, reflecting the growing compliance-driven push in metering procurement.
8All eight technically admitted bidders will now move to the financial evaluation stage.
8The scope supports AMI-readiness through DLMS protocol alignment, under broader reforms linked to RDSS implementation.
POWER TRANSFER BOOST FOR MMR: 765 KV DOUBLE CIRCUIT LINE IN FAST-TRACK MODE
8A high-capacity D/C 765 kV link to Padghe (ISTS node) is part of an 18-month intra-state EPC timeline, highlighting Maharashtra’s move to improve grid access for concentrated IT infra loads in Navi Mumbai.
8A 765/400/220 kV GIS substation with ±400 MVAr STATCOM support is being deployed near Mumbai to cater to rising data center loads.
8The 7 GW demand projection by 2030 underlines the urgency behind this accelerated intra-state build
PRE-BID TIE-UP FLOATED FOR 765 KV SUBSTATION EXTENSION AT ANGUL AND SRIKAKULAM
8A pre-bid partnership is being solicited for AIS and GIS extensions at two key 765 kV substations under a southern-eastern regional grid integration project. Transmission equipment tenders in India are a key part of this initiative, with firms selected in this pre-bid tie-up barred from bidding independently or via affiliates in the final TBCB process. This binding exclusivity aligns partner risk with promoter success.
8Foreign firms and government departments are excluded. Only Indian-registered companies aligned with PPP-MII and MoF land border guidelines are allowed to bid for this 765 kV package. Firms selected in this pre-bid tie-up are barred from bidding independently or via affiliates in the final TBCB process. This binding exclusivity aligns partner risk with promoter success.
THREE MAJOR PLAYERS VIE FOR SUPPORT IN 450,000 MT HYDROGEN TENDER
8ACME, Avaada, and Greenko have emerged as the only participants in this 450,000 metric tonne green hydrogen incentive scheme. Each bidder has committed to varying output volumes, reflecting divergent scale strategies.
8The three technically qualified bidders show wide variation in annual committed production capacities and sought incentives. This hints at differing cost structures and access to captive renewable resources.
8Only green hydrogen produced via renewable power drawn from ISTS or state grids qualifies. Captive off-grid setups are excluded, pushing producers to integrate with existing transmission infra.
SWITCHYARD PACKAGE DEADLINE EXTENDED AGAIN FOR 3×800 MW CENTRAL THERMAL PROJECT
8Bid submission for the high-voltage switchyard package has been pushed from July 3 to July 17, with opening deferred to July 18. This is the third official extension, hinting at bidder caution or scope complexities.
8Amendment 02 mandates a sealed, annexure-based provenness process with end-user certificates, equity validation, and OEM support letters. All documents must be uploaded via DREAMS and certified under bidder seal. With 8NTPC withdrawing direct verification, qualification risk now rests entirely on the EPC bidder—raising both bid prep costs and exclusion risks.
8Clarifications specify that final fencing, graveling, and PCC works will be defined during detailed engineering, yet bidders must quote for the entire demarcated area—raising estimation risks.
8Under the revised protocol, NTPC will rely solely on documents submitted by bidders—without any back-end checks from OEMs, licensors, or holding companies. Legal and technical risk rests with EPC bidder.
BID SECURITY NORMS LIBERALIZED FOR NAGPUR AIS SUBSTATION PACKAGE
8The TBCB bid for a 400/220/132 kV AIS package in Maharashtra now allows bid bonds via insurance surety or payment-on-order instruments, alongside traditional bank guarantees. This expands financing flexibility for bidders under Clause 2.11.
8The design includes space for an extra 300 MVA ICT and associated bays, enabling expansion without major shutdowns. This modular planning echoes recent load-growth-centric strategies in Maharashtra’s intra-state grid
8The AIS substation project involves multiple 132 kV and 220 kV LILO and D/C line terminations, extending to Warora, Buttibori, Nagbhid, Kolari, Bhandara, and Mouda—serving as a strategic load-growth anchor.
MEKHALI 400?KV SUBSTATION TENDER CAPS PROTECTION SCOPE UNDER REVISED TSA CLAUSE
8Amendment IV restricts the applicability of change-in-law events to those that affect costs or savings. This clause now aligns with recent practice in large TBCB projects and may influence bid premiums.
8This intra-state project features 2x500 MVA transformers, dual 400 kV D/C lines and multiple 220 kV feeders, targeting RE integration and load growth. Design includes future expansion scope at 400 kV and 220 kV levels.
8The Mekhali substation and associated transmission lines aim to decongest the 400/220 kV Narendra node, ensuring reliable evacuation of wind, solar, and co-gen capacity across Belagavi and Bagalkot.
CHANGE IN LAW CLAUSE REVISED TO ALLOW TARIFF IMPACT POST-BID DEADLINE
8The latest amendment to this 400 kV intra-state substation package introduces a critical tweak: only post-bid changes in law that affect TSP’s cost or savings will now qualify for compensation under TSA. This risk-sharing clause could influence bid aggressiveness and lender appetite.
8Two sets of 400 kV LILOs are planned: one terminating at the Hampapura substation and another extending connectivity to a new 765/400 kV node under ISTS. This setup boosts redundancy and links intra-state flows with central transmission systems.
8The tender assures that deemed license powers under Section 164 will be granted within 45 days of application, allowing the TSP to access statutory RoW and streamline line execution without prolonged clearances.
DUAL ICT AUGMENTATION DRIVES GIS SUBSTATION EXPANSION ACROSS TWO MAJOR LOAD CENTERS
8This 400kV GIS package covers 1x500 MVA ICT additions at key substations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, targeting transformation upgrades in dense urban networks. The scope includes high-voltage switchgear, control, and relay panels integrated under compressed timelines.
8A key element of this GIS tender is a dedicated 400 kV sectionalization bay to interconnect split 400 kV sections at a critical 765/400 kV station. Designed to mitigate contingency risks, this bay must be delivered within 14 months—faster than the 20-month window for other nodes. The 500 MVA ICTs under this package will use oil-to-SF6 bushings, requiring hybrid insulation interfaces. The substation extensions will also integrate associated protection, control, relay panels, bus ducts, and interconnection works.
8With its tight execution timelines and emphasis on hybrid insulation, this tender exemplifies the growing complexity of transmission equipment tenders India. The inclusion of sectionalization bays and SF6 interfaces underscores evolving engineering benchmarks across transmission equipment tenders India, particularly in high-load metro zones. The project will likely attract OEM-aligned bidders familiar with fast-track transmission equipment tenders India under urban GIS deployment norms.
LEGACY INFRA FIRMS FACE OFF IN FULL?SCOPE BOP TENDER FOR 800 MW UNIT
8Bidders admitted include seasoned turnkey contractors with experience in civil, electrical, and mechanical works. This indicates a broad-scope package that could include switchyard, ash handling, and raw water systems.
8Among the five technically cleared bidders, names like Power Mech Projects and PES Engineers suggest the tender is targeting experienced, end-to-end EPC contractors for BOP works.
8The pre-qualification and technical round concluded without disqualification. This reflects robust vendor alignment with pre-bid criteria and suggests that bid documentation was well-understood and uniformly compliant. The tender adds to the pipeline of thermal power plant updates India is witnessing in the EPC domain.
8This development marks one of the more significant thermal power plant updates India has seen this quarter in BOP contracting.
Internal audit planning stalls across most states despite IEGC mandates
8Despite a clear framework under IEGC-2023, both May and June 2025 meetings reflect sluggish planning across most North Eastern utilities. Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and others are yet to finalize or start audits for FY2025–26, citing manpower constraints and law-and-order issues.
Third-party audit execution remains sporadic; key states lag
8External audit implementation saw negligible improvement between the 79th and 80th PCCM. While NERPC completed audits at a few critical substations (e.g., Along, Pashighat, Roing, Tezu), states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland are still without final agency tie-ups, stalling the 5-year audit compliance loop.
DR and EL submission shows high compliance, but flash reports fall short
8DR/EL submissions for May 2025 saw a marked improvement many utilities hit nearly 100% submission rates. However, flash and detailed report compliance remained patchy, with entities like NEEPCO, TSECL, and Mizoram repeatedly flagged for delays or incomplete filings.
Auto-recloser failures point to persistent technical lapses across grid
8Analysis of grid trippings in both April and May 2025 reveal recurring auto-recloser malfunctions. Issues range from SF6 leakage and carrier logic faults to relay misconfigurations and BCU problems. Despite repeated advisories, root causes remain unresolved in several lines like Dimapur–Kohima and AGTCCPP–PK Bari.
Grid disturbance incidents remain high, with radial outages dominating
8April and May 2025 recorded 19 and 18 grid disturbances respectively, with radial events comprising the majority. NERLDC continues to push for stricter protection audit schedules and monthly downstream feeder data to contain recurrence yet execution trails expectations.
Expert group audit model sees traction, but manpower woes persist
8NERPC’s push to form multi-utility protection expert groups gained modest momentum. Assam and Powergrid submitted names, but most other states cited staffing shortages. NERPC urged hiring reputed agencies like PRDC and CPRI, Meghalaya progressed the most by advancing board approvals for PRDC engagement.
Click on Details for more
Renewable capacity soars past 6.8 GW in just two months of FY26
8India added 6,874 MW of renewable capacity in April–May 2025 more than double the 3,007 MW added in the same period last year. This 128.59% year-on-year jump signals rapid acceleration, driven by utility-scale solar and wind pipelines coming online under central and state policies.
Conventional power generation contracts even as total demand grows
8Despite higher total generation demand, conventional (thermal + large hydro + nuclear) power generation fell 8.22% year-on-year in May 2025. Solar and wind uptake offset this drop, with renewable generation rising over 18% showing a structural shift in grid sourcing.
Thermal PLF slumps across all sectors, dragging all-India average below 68%
8All-India thermal PLF (excluding gas) dropped sharply to 67.93% in May 2025, down from 76.40% a year ago. The decline spanned central, state, and private sectors, pointing to both subdued dispatch and creeping oversupply from renewables during off-peak hours.
Peak shortages reappear in South despite all-India surplus status
8While India reported no peak demand shortfall in most regions, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry together recorded unmet demand of 28 MW in May 2025. This highlights persistent local bottlenecks in load balancing, despite national adequacy in energy and peak availability.
Capacity addition in May hits 2,292 MW, nearly all from renewables
8India added 2,292 MW of generating capacity in May 2025 but none from thermal or nuclear sources. Over 1,900 MW came from renewable sources, underlining developers’ strong alignment with green capacity targets despite funding and evacuation hurdles.
Transmission and transformation capacity addition rebounds after dry spell
8Transmission line additions climbed to 262 ckm in May 2025 up from zero in the same month last year while substation capacity jumped 1,450 MVA. This rebound suggests improved execution on long-pending lines and power evacuation infra aligned with renewable build-out.
Click on Details for more
For daily newsletters and other free services, fill in your details: