SECI Issues Clarifications for its EOI for Renewable Solutions in Himalayas

SECI has issued clarifications against queries raised by prospective bidders for the EoI for Renewable Solutions in remote areas of the Himalayas

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued clarifications against queries raised by prospective participants for the EoI for Renewable Energy (RE) based Solutions/ System /Technology for meeting energy requirements in remote areas (HAA) of Himalayas, India. 

The nodal agency has issued the following:

• Load Requirement: essential load to be taken as 3.3 kW
• Per day generation from RE source: 100 units (Annual Average)
• Battery Size: 50 kWh (backup of 8-10 hours for 4-5 kW load)
• Present Source of electricity: 1×5.5 kVA, 1×7.5 kVA DG. Each of these runs alternately for 4 hours from 0400 hrs to 2200 hrs.
• The system should have adequate switchgear and capability to synchronise with the existing DGs
• It has to be indicated in the response to the EoI whether the system is modular with scope of future extension or not.
• Energy management system with at least 4 feeders with auto connect and disconnect facility be provided. This should be an intelligent one, monitoring battery WH, time of day, normal load pattern and give alarms as well as disconnections. 

Earlier in February, the agency had issued what was the fifth extension in the deadline for submission of proposals in response to the EOI. The agency had extended the deadline from February 19, 2021, to April 5, 2021, with the bid opening scheduled for April 6, 2021.

In September, SECI had first invited EOI from IPP, OEM, technology provider, technology licenser for exploration/ availability of systems/ solutions based on renewable energy sources/energy storage sources or a combination of these two which can be deployed under hostile climatic conditions for meeting energy requirement in remote Himalayan areas.

The nodal agency stated that one of its objectives includes the promotion of new technology and the development of demonstration projects. Adding that it has also been working effectively for decarbonisation (i.e. reducing dependence on fossil fuel like diesel, kerosene oil) by way of RE sources. Accordingly, it is willing to explore techno-commercially viable renewable energy-based solutions for supplying power to small off-grid consumers, residing in High Altitudes Area (HAA) and extreme cold climatic conditions (approx. +20 C to -500 C).

Systems that have a proven track record of operation in extreme cold conditions and at high altitudes will be given preference. Further, the system is to be developed through IPP mode/ EPC Mode and shall be entirely funded by the GOI through SECI for the beneficial utilisation by the consumers. The nodal agency intends to deploy the system within a time period of around 18 months i.e. preferably by 2021.