The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an expression of interest (EoI) from consultants to evaluate the program to develop solar parks and ultra-mega solar power projects.

The last date for the submission of bids is August 26, 2021.

Bidders do not have to pay any earnest money deposit to participate in the bidding process. However, the successful bidder has to provide performance security of 3% of the contract’s total value within 15 days from the date of award of the contract.

The successful bidder must submit the report within 60 days from the date of award of work. The first draft of the report should be submitted within 45 days from the date of award of work.

The scope of work includes assessing the progress of the solar park program and its effectiveness; analysis of barriers, constraints related to policy interventions and implementation; review of existing monitoring mechanism; and assessment of the program’s impact on the sector and tariffs for solar projects.

The report should also provide models for determining capital expenditure estimated to develop solar parks, analysis of the existing central financial assistance program, and suggestions on whether the program should be continued or modified.

To participate in the competitive bidding process, bidders must have at least five years of experience in conducting similar assignments. Bidders should also have an annual turnover of at least ₹10 million (~$134,396) for the last three years.

MNRE aims to set up at least 50 solar parks, each with a minimum capacity of 500 MW and above, by 2021-22. For this, central financial assistance of around ₹81 billion will be provided (~$1.08 billion) under the National Solar Mission. Last year, MNRE modified its guidelines for the development of solar parks and ultra-mega solar power projects.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the implementation of the program through collecting information from state implementing agencies, solar park developers, and other stakeholders.

Earlier, MNRE had issued a request for a proposal for consultants to develop a long-term vision, implementation plan, road map, and institutional framework for its One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) program. The ministry also had invited an expression of interest to evaluate its 5,000 MW Viability Gap Funding (VGF) program for solar projects.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, about 20 tenders have been announced so far, inviting consultants for 6.4 GW of solar projects and parks.

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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