Maharashtra commences tender for procuring 366 MW of solar energy

MSEB Solar Agro Power (MSAPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board MSEB Holding Company, has initiated the call for proposals for the acquisition of 366 MW of solar power as part of Component C under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program, focusing on feeder-level solarization. This endeavor is a key component of the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana program.

The deadline for submitting bids is set for February 27, 2024. Further details regarding the bidding process will be communicated when bids are open. Interested participants are required to provide an earnest money deposit of Rs 100,000/MW. Additionally, a processing fee of Rs 2,500/MW and a document cost of Rs 25,000 must be furnished by the bidders.

Selected bidders will need to furnish a performance bank guarantee of Rs 500,000/MW.
The comprehensive scope of work encompasses ownership, financing, development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the project, including the evacuation infrastructure up to the delivery point.

In the event that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) identifies new substations eligible for interconnection in the Solapur region before the bid due date, an additional 91 MW of solar power may be procured.

Bidders are required to demonstrate a commissioned or operational solar capacity of at least 250 MW for quoted capacities exceeding 200 MW. For capacities less than 200 MW, the stipulated requirement is 100 MW. A mandatory net worth of Rs 1 crore for the last three financial years, with no negative net worth during that period, has been specified.

The tender enforces the utilization of domestically manufactured modules listed on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, ensuring a capacity utilization factor of 19%.