Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited bids from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors to set up two solar projects with a capacity of 10 MW each in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. The power generated will be for captive use in its various pumping stations located in Bhopal.

The last date to submit bids is February 18, 2022. Bids will be opened on the following day. The pre-bid meeting will take place on January 31.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commission of both 10 MW projects. After commissioning the projects, the successful bidder must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance for 25 years.

BMC will provide land for the development of projects. The corporation will support the selected bidder by paying ₹140 million (~$1.88 million) per project, including Goods and Services Tax (GST), on achieving the prescribed milestones. The remaining cost of the project incurred by the developer will be paid on an annuity basis linked to monthly power generated from 25 years operation of the project from the scheduled commercial operation date at the tariff quoted by the developer.

Bidders must submit ₹5 million (~$67,233) as an earnest money deposit (EMD). In addition, the successful bidder should furnish ₹10.5 million (~$141,154) as a performance bank guarantee for each of the 10 MW solar projects.

The successful bidder must also furnish ₹3.5 million (~$47,039) for the respective project as a security deposit with an initial validity of three years for the operation and maintenance period in line with the condition of the contract.

The bidder will also be liable to pay ₹6.3 million (~$84,701) plus GST to the BMC consultant as a project development fee within a week from the issuance of the letter of award. The bidder should pay ₹3.78 million (~$50,792) plus GST within a month of supply of modules and ₹2.52 million (~$33,785) plus GST within a month of the project’s commissioning.

To participate in the competitive bidding process, bidders must have installed and commissioned at least 50 MW of solar projects, including associated civil works, in the last seven years. Of this, one grid-connected solar project should have an individual capacity of 10 MW or above. The project must be in satisfactory operation for at least six months from the date of commissioning.

Furthermore, the bidder should be a module manufacturer capable of producing 540 W and above rated mono passivated emitter rear contact panels annually with a minimum 200 MW capacity. Alternatively, the bidder should have a pre-bid agreement with a module manufacturer.

In the last three financial years, bidders’ average annual turnover should be at least ₹1 billion (~$13.44 million). Their net worth must be at least ₹30 million ($403,410) as on March 31, 2021.

The successful bidder must commission the projects within 15 months from the date of the letter of award.

In May 2021, the Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited invited bids to set up 270 MW of grid-connected solar power projects of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity under Component A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program.

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Harsh Shukla is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Previously with Indian Express, he has covered general interest stories. He holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune.

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