West Bengal Issues Tender for 900 MW Pumped Storage Project

West Bengal Issues Tender for 900 MW Pumped Storage Project

The West Bengal government has floated a tender inviting bids for development and operation of the Bandu Pumped Storage Project- a 900 MW capacity power project. It will be executed through a public-private partnership.

The project, located in the Ajodhya Hill Area of Purulia district, is valued at close to INR 4,700 crore with project life pegged at 40 years. It will be implemented on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The last date to submit bids is August 28, 2023. Bids open on August 31, 2023.

The bidder will be chosen based on the highest royalty per kWh of electricity produced.

The West Bengal government has set sights on giving an impetus to renewable energy and the Pumped Storage Project will be the second major venture towards this goal. Currently, the government operates a 900 MW pumped storage power project in Purulia under the administration of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL).

The Purulia Pumped Storage Project run by West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd is the first 900 MW pumped storage project in India running successfully already.

Recently, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited had issued a tender for three years of operation and maintenance works of existing 10 MW solar power plant with associated equipment and materials at Charrah in Purulia. Goswami Electricals & Construction emerged as the lowest bidder that won the project for two years of O&M. The contract is worth INR 1.17 cr.