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NTPC, India’s largest power utility, has officially floated a tender for the comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of its 25 MW floating solar project situated at the Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station in Andhra Pradesh. As India continues to scale its renewable energy capacity, floating solar projects have emerged as a strategic solution to optimize land use and improve panel efficiency through water-based cooling effects. The Simhadri project remains a flagship installation for NTPC, showcasing the utility’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix beyond conventional thermal generation.
The scope of the tender covers a comprehensive two-year O&M period. The project, which utilizes floating solar technology, requires specialized maintenance to ensure the longevity of the floating structures, mooring systems, and underwater electrical cabling, alongside standard PV module cleaning and inverter maintenance. The deadline for bid submissions has been set for August 24, 2026. Prospective bidders are expected to possess the technical expertise required to manage the specific operational risks associated with water-based solar installations.
For EPC contractors and specialized O&M firms, this tender represents a recurring revenue opportunity in the high-growth floating solar segment. Unlike ground-mounted solar, floating solar projects demand a higher degree of technical proficiency in marine-grade equipment maintenance and water-based logistics. Developers looking to enter the floating solar space should monitor this tender to understand the operational benchmarks set by a major utility like NTPC. Successful execution of this contract can serve as a vital credential for contractors aiming to bid on larger floating solar tenders expected in the coming years.
Following the bid submission deadline on August 24, 2026, NTPC will evaluate the technical and financial bids to award the contract. As the Indian renewable energy sector continues to expand, the focus is shifting from pure capacity addition to the long-term operational efficiency of existing assets. The performance of the Simhadri plant under this new O&M contract will likely influence future maintenance strategies for NTPC’s growing fleet of floating solar projects across the country, reinforcing India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Below is the summary of the tender issued by NTPC for the Simhadri floating solar project.
Aditya Pathre is the Founder of MVApulse and covers India’s renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, transmission infrastructure, renewable energy policy and competitive bidding. His reporting focuses on project developments, market trends, government policies and energy transition across India.
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