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The bidding dates for 4,000-MW each ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) in Odisha and Tamil Nadu have been extended by a fortnight.
The last date for submission of request for qualification (RFQ) for Bhedabahal project in Odisha would be November 25, while for the Cheyyur power plant in Tamil Nadu would be November 28. Sources told Business Line that the extension of the bidding date is to attract more competent players.
Earlier, the last date for RFQ submission was November 11. RFQ is the first stage of bidding, which is followed by submission of price bids. These two projects that would cost nearly Rs 24,000 crore are expected to be allotted by February.
Till now, Tata Power, NHPC, NTPC, Sterlite, JSPL and JSW, among others have purchased the bid documents.
Road shows
Last month, a global roadshow for the ultra mega power projects was held in Singapore.
“A few Japanese companies have also shown interest,’’ said a senior Power Ministry official.
India allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in power generation. The Government wants to showcase the ultra mega power projects as most technologically advanced and one of the best investment opportunities in the country.
Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), the nodal agency for auctioning of ultra mega projects, has held talks with nearly 12 countries – Germany, France, the UK, Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Australia, Israel, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
However, India is not offering any special dispensation to foreign players. Successful bidders for the projects would be decided purely on bidding parameters put in place by the Government, the Power Ministry official said.
While the Odisha project will be based on domestic coal, the Tamil Nadu project would be fired by imported fuel. The Government believes that it is offering investment-friendly parameters for these projects and claims to have cleared the major regulatory hurdles required.
At present, India has awarded four ultra mega power projects – one to Tata Power and three to Reliance Power.
So far, only Tata Power’s project at Mundra in Gujarat is fully operational. The last round of auction saw about six-seven bids from companies based in China and Singapore.
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