NTPC-SAIL Joint Venture Tenders 20 MW Floating Solar Project at Bhilai Steel Plant

NTPC-SAIL Joint Venture Tenders 20 MW Floating Solar Project at Bhilai Steel Plant

April 27, 2026

NTPC SAIL Power Company (NSPCL), a strategic joint venture between the power giant NTPC and the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), has invited bids for a 20 MW floating solar project at the Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh. The project will be situated on the Maroda Reservoir-1, which serves the massive industrial complex. This move is part of a broader effort to integrate renewable energy into one of India’s most energy-intensive manufacturing sectors—steel production.

The scope of work for the winning bidder is comprehensive, covering the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of the floating solar array, as well as the design of the anchoring and mooring systems. Additionally, the contract includes a three-year operation and maintenance (O&M) period to ensure the plant meets its performance targets. By utilizing the reservoir surface, NSPCL is effectively bypassing the common hurdle of land acquisition while simultaneously reducing water evaporation—a critical benefit for industrial cooling processes.

This tender reflects the growing trend of “Captive Green Energy” in India’s heavy industry. As global markets demand “Green Steel” with lower carbon footprints, initiatives like the Bhilai floating solar project allow state-owned enterprises to decarbonize their operations without disrupting their primary production cycles. Bidders have until May 22, 2026, to submit their proposals, with the project expected to become a flagship example of how the water-energy nexus can support India’s journey toward net-zero industrial growth.