The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has tendered 10 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects on behalf of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC). Bids are due by March 14, 2018.

The grid-connected solar PV projects are set to be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model at NMRC depots and metro stations in the national capital region.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, supply, storage, civil work, installation, testing and commissioning of the 10 MW of grid-connected solar PV projects. The successful bidder will also be responsible for 25 years of project operation and maintenance.

The estimated project cost is ₹600 million (~$9.33 million) and the expected project completion time-frame is two years from the date of contract award. The solar power generated will be fed into the grid on a net-metering basis.

A DMRC official told Mercom, “The entire project will not be developed at a single location. The project size will depend on the available area at depots and metro station premises.”

When asked about the 48-month timeframe given for project completion, the official added, “I guess that will be more than enough time for the successful bidders to develop the projects.”

Of late, DMRC has been working to reduce its carbon footprint by shifting its focus to renewable energy. The tactical shift to green forms of power are a sigh of relief for Delhi, which is reeling under the menace of pollution.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, DMRC has a total installed solar capacity of 17.45 MW to date.

Other recent efforts to raise DMRC’s solar capacity include a December 2017 tender issued by the organization for the development of 8 MW of grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV projects at various DMRC sites in the national capital. In July 2017, DMRC also tendered a 2.2 MW rooftop solar project to be developed at its premises.

As reported previously by Mercom, Azure Power is already developing a 14 MW rooftop solar project for DMRC and, in April 2017, Rays Power Experts commissioned a 5.5 MW solar rooftop project for the organization.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Delhi had cumulative solar installations totaling 55 MW, as of November 2017.

Image credit: By Shuaib SB (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons