OREDA Issues Tender To Deploy Solar Boats At Chilika Lake

Solar Boat Sails On Saryu River In Ayodhya In Testing Mode

The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has planned to introduce solar boats on its largest water body, Chilika Lake. It has also issued tenders for the same from the interested parties. Chilika Lake hosts several aquatic animals like Dolphins and other species of fish. However, the fossil-fuel-based boats are often seen ferrying around the lake for sightseeing. 

The OREDA tender has sought developers who can design, engineer, manufacture, supply, and transport these solar boats for Chilka Lake. The OREDA tender mandated the developers to deploy 20-seater zero-emission solar electric boats. This also included two years of comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M). 

“The successful bidder should complete the design and engineering of the zero emission solar boat as per the Technical Specification given in SOW Clause 3.3.1.1 as per IWT / IWAI rules. Zero-emission solar boats shall be designed and built completely under Class (any member of IACS) up to the handing over of the zero-emission solar boat/boat to the respective Corporation/OREDA. The Boat shall have a capability of quick turnaround,” OREDA said.

Talking about the charging infrastructure, it said, “The Successful Bidder shall provide the shore charging station/infrastructure for charging of boats near the jetty (Fishing boats) and harbours (OTDC and CDA’s tourism boats) as per CERC guidelines for the EV charging. The Successful Bidder shall ensure that the remotely monitored BMS (battery management system) is provided. In addition, the Successful Bidder shall share the remote communication protocol as well as the login credentials (username, password, etc.) to OREDA for each Zero emission solar boat/retrofitted boat.”

OREDA said that the successful bidder should ensure that the module mounting structures must be designed to be completely non-invasive (without any grouting/ chipping) on the rooftop space. The OPEDA tender also proposed several tests and trials to test the Boat’s speed, endurance, manoeuvring and other capabilities. 

OREDA asked the eligible candidates to send the hard copies of their bids by the end of January 30.