The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids for 3.5 MW rooftop solar projects on its under-construction Phase-IV network stations under the Renewable Energy Supply Company (RESCO) model, as the metro service provider looks to power its operations using solar energy.

The last date to submit bids is April 25, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day.

The scope of work includes design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and 25-year operation and maintenance of 3.5 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects over DMRC’s new Line-07 Extension from Majlis Park to Maujpur (1.6 MW), Line-08 Extension from Majlis Park to Deepali Chowk (1.26 MW), the Mukundpur Depot (0.6 MW), and the Madhuban Chowk Receiving Substation (0.04 MW).

The project’s estimated cost is ₹136.8 million (~$1.68 million). Interested bidders must submit a tender security amount of ₹1.37 million (~$16,500). The tender documents will be available for purchase from March 15 to April 25, 2024, on the government’s e-procurement portal at a cost of ₹23,600 (~$284).

The successful bidder will have 18 months to install and commission the 3.5 MW rooftop solar projects. DMRC plans to conduct an online e-Reverse Auction among technically and commercially qualified bidders to determine the lowest tariff for the 25-year power purchase period.

The Corporation has set a ceiling tariff of ₹4.50 (~$0.054) per kWh for the projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Bidders can originate from any country, either as a single entity or in any combination of entities. But bidders from a country with a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority.

Bidders must also have successfully commissioned grid-connected solar power projects within the last seven years preceding the month of tender submission, with specific capacity requirements outlined as follows: at least one similar work totaling a minimum of 2,800 kW capacity, or two similar works each totaling a minimum of 1,750 kW capacity, or three similar works each totaling a minimum of 1,400 kW capacity.

The average annual turnover of the last five financial years should be at least ₹73 million (~$880,500), while the net worth of the bidder during the last audited financial year should be a minimum ₹18.3 million (~$220,700).

In 2022, DMRC invited bids to install a 1 MW rooftop solar project at the Khyber Pass depot stabling lines of DMRC. Previously, it issued a request for selection to set up 2 MW of rooftop solar PV systems under the RESCO model.

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