Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) from contractors to set up a solar project with grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) to completely solarize the secretariat complex in Dispur, Assam.

The solar power project will be implemented either in engineering procurement and construction contractor (EPC) or build-own-operate (BOO) mode based on the outcome and suggestions of the EoI.

The last day to submit the bids is January 30, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day.

The scope of work will include assessing the feasibility of setting up a solar project with grid-scale BESS within or outside the premises of the secretariat. The prospective bidder must estimate the total solar capacity and BESS required for 100% solarization based on building load patterns.

A site survey must be conducted for technical feasibility, including mandatory site inspections, determining solar capacity within the secretariat complex, exploring alternative locations, and assessing BESS capacity for up to 4 hours of backup.

The bidders have to explore multiple business models for solar installation, considering available spaces within the secretariat complex, and proposing modalities for implementation, including capital expenditure (CAPEX) models. Project costs must be estimated for different business models.

A cost-benefit analysis for BESS must be carried out, including assessing battery technology types, costs, technical specifications, and required capacities in MW and MWh.

To be eligible, bidders must have commissioned and operated grid-connected solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 5 MW and 5 MWh of BESS as either engineering, procurement, construction contractor (EPC), operations and management (O&M) contractor, or independent power producer in the past five years.

Bidders should have been in operation for at least five years.

They must have audited financials for the three most recent financial years.

APDCL is looking for a complete end-to-end solution from eligible applicants for solar technology with grid-scale BESS facility, including location of storage, location of solar, power conversion system, balance of project, battery management system including software solution for optimized BESS operation.

After identifying and selecting the applicants through this EoI, requests for proposals to implement the project will be invited separately.

Earlier, APDCL invited bids to procure 200 MW of power from solar projects to be developed in Assam.

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