Bulk ordering of 660 MW supercritical units: BoP tender likely within two weeks

The crucial Balance of Plant (BoP) packages for the five thermal power projects identified for bulk-tendering of 660 MW supercritical units are likely to be bid out soon by the power major, NTPC. In fact, our sources within the power major say that the documents could be issued as early as within the next two weeks. However, given that the main plant package has been delayed substantially due to the need for retendering, this timeline cannot be said to be set in stone. The BoP contract will consist of the supply and erection of all relevant components, such as coal handling plant, ash handling plant, water systems, cooling tower, a 400 KV switchyard and execution of other ancilliary work, including installation of fire fighting, air conditioning and ventilation systems, low tension (LT) switchgear and transformers, along with the associated civil works. However, certain project specific parameters might be incorporated by NTPC in the tender.

Of these five thermal projects, worth a cumulative 7,260 MW, four projects, with nine units, are being executed, jointly or independently, by the domestic power major, NTPC, while the remaining project, with two units, is being developed by another central public sector undertaking-- Damodar Valley Corporation Limited (DVC). The list of plants comprise of NTPC's 2x660 MW Tanda extension and Solapur power projects; the 3x660 MW New Nabinagar, through a joint venture (JV) between NTPC and Bihar State Electricity Board; 2x660 MW Meja project, being executed by a JV of NTPC and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam; and DVC`s 2x660 MW Phase-II of the Raghunathpur project.