No foreign bidders for NTPC's 3 solar power projects

New Delhi, Jan 29: Foreign players would not be allowed to bid for NTPC's three new solar power projects of total 750 MW capacity as the PSU has restricted the bidding to domestic companies.

This comes at a time when the government is making a strong pitch for Make in India programme among overseas investors, including for the renewable energy.

According to company sources, domestic entities will be permitted to bid for solar power projects having a combined capacity of 750 MW.

"These three projects of 250 MW capacity each are for domestic manufacturers," the source said.

Refusing to divulge reasons for not permitting foreign companies to bid, sources said the Indian arms of foreign manufacturers would be free to participate in the company's future solar projects.

NTPC had recently invited separate online bids for the three projects -- one each in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana.

Currently NTPC's 110 MW solar capacity is in operation and its eight projects are in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and other states.

NTPC aims to set up 3,000 MW of solar power projects over the next 3-3.5 years, the company had earlier said.

US President Barack Obama had recently announced USD 4 billion investment in India, including USD 2 billion in renewable energy projects.

Meanwhile, the company was executing thermal power projects worth 22,000 MW and another 8,000-10,000 MW capacity was in pipeline.

PTI