Daman & Diu Invites Bids For 7.47 MW Solar Power Expansion

The Electricity Department of Daman and Diu has issued a tender to augment the capacity of two solar power projects in the Union Territory. The tender speaks for raising the capacity of an existing 6 MWdc solar power project by 2.56 MWdc. Also, the capacity of a 3 MWdc solar power project also needs to be raised by 4.91 MWdc. Both solar power projects are situated in Diu.

The deadline for bid submissions is February 27, 2024. Bids will open on February 29.

The tender notification says that bidders are required to submit a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 20,000 through a demand draft. Additionally, an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 50 lakhs is to be furnished.

The successful bidder must provide a performance bank guarantee amounting to 10% of the contract value within fourteen days from the issuance of the letter of award or work order.

Bidders are expected to be reputable EPC contractors, possessing expertise in designing, supplying, installing, testing, commissioning, and operating ground-mounted solar power projects with a minimum capacity of 3 MW at a single location.

Furthermore, experience in working with an 11 KV or higher power system over the past three years is required.

As per the tender document, the solar projects necessitate the use of solar modules with a minimum rating of 540 Wp and a Mono PERC rating. Moreover, a central inverter (Power Conditioner Unit – PCU) with a minimum rating of 1 MW is required, with preference given to manufacturers such as Fimer (ABB) or Delta.

The tender also envisages the operation and maintenance (O&M) of solar projects.

The initial year of O&M will function as the defect liability period, provided free of charge. Subsequently, the successful bidder will be responsible for an additional five years of O&M. Maintenance procedures for major items must comply with original equipment manufacturer recommendations and any guidelines issued by the electricity department.

The O&M charges, amounting to 15% of the contract value, will be retained by the Electricity Department for five years. After the first year, 3% of this amount, subject to deductions or adjustments, will be released upon successful completion of each subsequent contract year, starting from the second year.

The tender also says that the project must be handed over in full working condition upon the expiry of the contract period.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reported in August 2023 that the cumulative solar power capacity of Daman & Diu stood at 41.01 MW.