Coal India Limited (CIL), a Government of India Maharatna enterprise headquartered in Kolkata, has issued a Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of 3,000 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants across India. The EOI, bearing document number EOI/Solar/3000 MW dated September 1, 2025, invites reputed EPC players to take part in this ambitious renewable energy initiative. CIL, known as the world’s largest coal producer, is steadily transitioning towards renewable energy and has set a target of achieving 9.5 GW renewable power capacity by 2029-30. Currently, it has already installed 210 MW through rooftop and ground-mounted projects across its subsidiaries.
The scope of this EOI covers complete engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibilities, including land acquisition, connectivity to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), supply of solar modules, erection, testing, commissioning, and long-term operation and maintenance of the projects. Interested applicants may submit proposals ranging from 200 MW to the full 3,000 MW capacity, with a minimum required capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 25%. The proposed locations for these projects include solar-rich states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, ensuring proximity to existing or committed transmission networks.
CIL has asked applicants to provide details of their experience in solar EPC projects, financial capacity, and cost estimates, along with suggestions on the draft Notice Inviting Tender (NIT). The modules to be supplied under the projects must be sourced only from manufacturers listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This ensures that the projects align with government standards for quality and reliability.
Offline submissions will not be entertained. The EOI documents are available for free download on the portal, and applicants must register online with valid Digital Signature Certificates (Class II or Class III). The schedule for submission, clarifications, and opening of EOIs will be available on the tender portal, and CIL reserves the right to extend deadlines or amend the process if required.
The EOI specifies that all submissions must be in English and duly signed by authorized representatives. Any false information or misrepresentation by applicants may lead to disqualification and blacklisting. To maintain transparency, CIL has highlighted that corrupt or fraudulent practices will lead to rejection of applications and possible future bans. The jurisdiction for any disputes will remain under the courts of Kolkata.
For communication and clarifications, interested parties may contact the Solar Department at CIL, with General Manager (E&M/Solar) Sudarsan Bora as the primary authority, along with Senior Manager Jitendra Kumar Singh and Deputy Manager Rajnesh Meena. Queries related to the tender process can also be addressed through the 24×7 helpdesk numbers provided on the e-tender portal.
While the document provides comprehensive details on technical and procedural requirements, it is important to note that this EOI does not specify earnest money deposit (EMD) or performance bank guarantee (PBG) amounts. These financial requirements are expected to be detailed in the subsequent tender documents, once the EOI process concludes and shortlisted bidders move to the final selection phase. This indicates that the current stage is purely for gauging market interest and identifying capable EPC partners before launching the formal tendering process.
Through this EOI, Coal India Limited is signaling a decisive step towards renewable energy transition, expanding its portfolio beyond coal and into large-scale solar deployment. The 3,000 MW solar initiative is expected to attract leading domestic and international EPC players, further boosting India’s renewable energy capacity and aligning with national climate commitments.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
