NTPC Biomass Pellet Tenders 2026
📊 Key facts at a glance — June 2026
• NTPC-SAIL (NSPCL) Bhilai: 60,000 MT tender, bid deadline 14 Feb 2026, 546-day delivery contract
• NTPC Dadri (UP): 219,000 MT non-torrefied biomass pellet tender, verified Q1 2025
• NTPC Singrauli, Rihand, Tanda & Unchahar (combined): Over 1.5 million MT in active tenders
• DVC Mejia, Bokaro & Durgapur: 131,400 MT total across three West Bengal plant tenders
• Government mandate: 7% biomass co-firing from FY 2025–26 — all coal-based thermal plants
• CAQM enforcement: ₹61.85 crore penalties issued in December 2025 for non-compliance
• All tenders reserved: Class 1 Local Suppliers only (100% Make in India, no imports)
NTPC Biomass Pellet Tenders 2026: A Massive Opportunity for Indian Pellet Manufacturers
India’s renewable energy transition has created a major demand opportunity for biomass pellet manufacturers. Under the biomass co-firing policy of the Ministry of Power, thermal power plants are increasing biomass utilization to reduce coal dependency and carbon emissions.
In 2026, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) continues to be one of the largest buyers of agro-residue-based biomass pellets in India. For pellet manufacturers, investors, and biomass entrepreneurs, NTPC government tenders for biomass pellets represent a long-term institutional supply opportunity.
Why NTPC Biomass Pellet Tenders Are Growing in 2026
The demand for biomass pellets is increasing because India has a significant supply gap. Current biomass pellet production is estimated at around 2.5 million metric tonnes annually, while power-sector requirements are much higher due to mandatory co-firing targets.
Key market drivers:
• Biomass co-firing requirement increased to 7% from FY 2025–26.
• Large NTPC thermal power stations require continuous pellet supply.
• Government procurement supports Indian manufacturers through Make in India policies.
• New pellet plants can participate as future manufacturers with proper project documentation.
NTPC Biomass Pellet Technical Specifications (2026 Standard)
Every pellet batch supplied to NTPC must adhere to these verified technical parameters. Non-compliant batches are rejected at the plant gate — suppliers bear all associated costs including demurrage.
| Parameter | NTPC Requirement | Notes | ||
| Pellet type | Non-torrefied agro-residue based (V2/Q3) | Torrefied accepted at select plants only | ||
| GCV (Calorific Value) | 3,000–4,200 kcal/kg | Evaluated at 3,400 kcal/kg benchmark | ||
| Moisture content | Below 14% | Preferably below 10% for premium pricing | ||
| Ash content | Below 10% | Lower ash = higher NTPC premium allocation | ||
| Diameter | 6–8 mm | Standard cylindrical form | ||
| Bulk density | Minimum 600–750 kg/m³ | Required for efficient storage and feeding | ||
| Packaging | Loose-fill in covered waterproof vehicles | Bagged consignments not accepted | ||
| Transport | Fully covered, waterproof vehicles only | Supplier bears all costs if bags used | ||
| Min. bid quantity | 20 TPD (increments of 10 TPD) | Maximum linked to plant capacity formula | ||
⚠️ Critical compliance note • Pellets packed in bags: entire consignment rejected. Supplier must unpack at own cost. • Moisture non-compliance: price penalty applied based on GCV loading formula in tender document. • Late delivery: performance security forfeiture clauses apply. Always maintain 15–30 days buffer stock. • Carriage vehicle must be waterproof and covered — NTPC inspectors check at plant gate. | ||||
Major NTPC Biomass Pellet Tender Examples
Recent and ongoing procurement opportunities include:
• NTPC Vindhyachal, Madhya Pradesh: Large-scale biomass pellet procurement opportunities.
• NTPC Singrauli, Uttar Pradesh: Major tender volumes for agro-residue pellets.
• NTPC Rihand, Uttar Pradesh: Continuous biomass fuel demand.
• NTPC Dadri, Uttar Pradesh: Non-torrefied biomass pellet procurement.
• NTPC Tanda and Unchahar: Additional biomass supply requirements.
These tenders create opportunities for pellet manufacturers across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other agricultural regions.
NTPC Biomass Pellet Specifications 2026
To qualify for NTPC supply contracts, pellets must meet quality standards:
• Pellet type: Agro-residue based non-torrefied biomass pellets
• Diameter: 6–8 mm
• GCV: Approximately 3,000–4,200 kcal/kg
• Moisture: Below 14%
• Ash content: Below 10%
• Bulk density: Around 600 kg/m³ or higher
• Delivery: Loose pellets in covered waterproof vehicles
Quality compliance is critical because rejected consignments can result in financial penalties and delivery losses.
Who Can Apply for NTPC Biomass Pellet Tenders?
Eligible participants include:
1. Existing Pellet Manufacturers
Companies with operational biomass pellet plants can bid based on production capacity.
2. Future Biomass Pellet Manufacturers
New investors can participate by submitting:
• Project report
• Proposed plant location
• Manufacturing capacity details
• CA-certified documentation
3. Biomass Aggregators and Traders
Companies with strong raw material sourcing and supply networks can participate as suppliers.
How to Bid — Step-by-Step Framework for NTPC Tenders
1. Register on GeM portal (gem.gov.in) AND NTPC eProcurement portal (eprocurentpc.nic.in) — active tenders appear on both platforms.
2. Register your biomass pellet plant on the SAMARTH vendor database (samarth.powermin.gov.in) — mandatory for all NTPC co-firing supply contracts.
3. Download the complete Bidding Document from the tender notice. Read the technical specs, EMD requirements, delivery schedule, and GCV loading formula carefully.
4. Submit Packet 1 (Technical Bid): company documents, plant capacity certificate, quality credentials, and EMD payment or exemption certificate.
5. Await technical evaluation. If shortlisted, submit Packet 2 (Price Bid): quote your price per MT on a FOR (Freight on Road) Power Station basis.
6. Bucket filling method applies: NTPC allocates quantities starting from the lowest bidder upward until the full tender quantity is covered. Quote competitively.
7. Post-award: sign supply agreement, furnish performance security, and begin delivery within the stipulated schedule — typically 365–546 days from award date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What pellet specifications does NTPC require in 2026?
NTPC requires non-torrefied agro-residue based biomass pellets (V2/Q3 category) with GCV 3,000–4,200 kcal/kg (evaluated at 3,400 kcal/kg benchmark), moisture below 14%, ash below 10%, diameter 6–8 mm, and bulk density above 600 kg/m³. Pellets must be delivered loose-fill in covered waterproof vehicles — bagged consignments are rejected at the plant gate.
Can a new pellet manufacturer without an existing plant bid for NTPC tenders?
Yes. NTPC explicitly allows ‘future pellet manufacturers’ to participate. You must submit a CA-certified project report with your tentative plant location and planned capacity. Future manufacturers are eligible for an additional 20 TPD allocation over existing capacity. This makes NTPC tenders accessible to new investors entering the biomass sector in 2026.
Which NTPC plants have the largest active biomass pellet tenders?
As of 2025–26, the largest active NTPC tenders are: Vindhyachal (996,450 MT), Singrauli (511,000 MT), Rihand (470,850 MT), Dadri (219,000 MT), Tanda (321,200 MT), and Unchahar (211,700 MT). DVC tenders cover an additional 131,400 MT across Mejia, Bokaro, and Durgapur plants. All tenders are restricted to Class 1 Indian suppliers under Make in India policy.
What government portals should biomass pellet suppliers use to find tenders?
Use three portals: (1) GeM portal — gem.gov.in — for all GeM-listed NTPC and DVC tenders with reverse auction; (2) NTPC eProcurement portal — eprocurentpc.nic.in — for direct NTPC tenders; (3) CPP Portal — eprocure.gov.in — for other central government biomass procurement. Register on SAMARTH (samarth.powermin.gov.in) to be listed in the official vendor database used by power plants for supplier shortlisting.
NTPC's biomass pellet tenders are not future opportunities — they are live, penalty-enforced, Make-in-India-reserved contracts worth millions of metric tonnes annually. With India's current production at just 2.5 million MT against a 15–20 million MT mandatory requirement, the window for new suppliers to enter long-term contracts at strong pricing is open right now. Whether you are an existing manufacturer ready to bid, an aggregator building a supply network, or a new investor qualifying as a future pellet manufacturer — Yulong Gattuwala Energy Solutions provides the machines, certifications, project reports, and after-sales support to get you tender-ready and delivering to NTPC plants across India.
