NTPC Green Energy Opens Bidding to Build Hydrogen Refueling Station in Gujarat
NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, has launched a critical bidding process to establish a Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) in Kandla, Gujarat, marking a significant leap forward in India’s clean transportation ambitions.
The tender, officially numbered NGEL-CS-H2-GUJARAT-001(R), invites competitive bids exclusively from eligible domestic suppliers classified as Class-I and Class-II. This initiative is integrated within India’s Green Hydrogen Mobility Project to accelerate the roll-out of hydrogen-powered vehicles and fueling infrastructure nationwide.
Project Scope and Technical Specifications Highlight Urgency
The successful bidder will manage a turnkey contract covering design, engineering, equipment supply, construction, testing, and final commissioning of the hydrogen station. Notably, the contract includes 10 years of operation and maintenance services to ensure continuous, reliable station functionality.
The station will interface with a 210 kg per day hydrogen electrolyser system provided by NGEL. Hydrogen will be compressed at 20 kg per hour capacity to a pressure of 500 bar. Storage involves cylinder cascades holding up to 540 kg of hydrogen at 500 bar. Fuel dispensing will support up to 11 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) simultaneously at 350 bar.
Supplementary infrastructure includes nitrogen generation systems for purging, robust fire safety and suppression equipment, and centralized control via SCADA/EMS technology for real-time monitoring and station operations.
Financial and Qualification Criteria Tighten the Race
NGEL outlined multiple qualification routes, welcoming firms experienced in hydrogen refueling stations, process industries, or CNG station development. Applicants must demonstrate at least one ₹47 crore EPC contract in the energy sector and an average annual turnover of ₹59 crore over the past three years. Additionally, net worth must not fall below paid-up share capital as per the latest financial statements.
Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1 crore, with non-compliant bids being automatically disqualified. The tender process follows a strict two-envelope system dividing technical and financial proposals.
Critical Deadlines Set for May 2026
The tender was issued on May 1, 2026, allowing interested parties a narrow window to submit queries by May 11, 2026. Final bids must be submitted before 3:00 PM IST on May 21, 2026, with techno-commercial evaluations scheduled for 4:00 PM IST on May 22, 2026. These tight timelines underscore NGEL’s urgency in advancing hydrogen mobility infrastructure.
Why This Matters to US Readers and Montana
Though based in India, this hydrogen fueling project signals a worldwide push toward hydrogen energy solutions, a sector gaining momentum in the US with ongoing trials and pilot programs. Montana, rich in renewable energy potential and with growing interest in clean transportation, can look to such international developments as benchmarks for emerging industries.
Hydrogen-powered transit promises to reshape energy landscapes, reduce carbon emissions, and create new industrial jobs—elements critical to energy strategy across the US. The global scale of hydrogen infrastructure projects informs Montana’s own energy future, especially as the state explores green hydrogen opportunities linked to wind and solar resources.
Next Steps
As NGEL progresses with tender evaluations in late May, watch for updates on contract awards and detailed plans for construction timelines. Successful deployment in Kandla will set a precedent for further hydrogen station rollouts within India and can influence US clean fuel infrastructure initiatives by demonstrating viable models for turnkey hydrogen station development.
Stay tuned to Montana Insider for ongoing coverage of hydrogen energy breakthroughs and their implications for American energy independence and environmental progress.
