Third Deadline Extension for EOI Submission for RE Solutions in Himalayas 

SECI has again extended the EOI deadline for its call for RE based solutions for meeting energy needs in remote areas of the Himalayas

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a notification, extending the deadline for submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) for its call for renewable energy (RE) based solutions/ system/ technology for meeting energy requirements in remote areas of Himalayas, India, for now a third time.

Previously, the nodal agency had extended the deadline for EOI submission to December 21, 2020, with the submitted EOIs scheduled to be opened on December 22, 2020. However, SECI has now extended the deadline for submissions to January 5, 2021, and they will be opened on the following date i.e. January 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).

It has been clarified that:

• The solution/system should be modular in nature and can be replicated/deployed under similar conditions. Further, the system should have the highest degree of safety in regard to the persons and the environment.
• Solutions/system should be modular and easy to dismantle/ assemble, transport, deploy, commission, operate and requires limited maintenance during operation.
• SECI envisages the useful life of such a system/solution to be around 10 years.
• SECI will coordinate with the consumer for facilitating logistic support, obtaining necessary permission for deployment at its site, if any.
• The selected entity shall be required to provide training for the maintenance of the system/solutions to the authorised representatives of the consumer.
• Parties may be required to enter into a definitive agreement/arrangement for the deployment of the system/solutions.

Systems which 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.