The Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF) has invited bids for the implementation of a 110 MW solar power project in group captive mode.

The scope of the work includes design, finance, installation, and commissioning, along with operation and maintenance for 25 years.

The last date for the submission of bids is February 24, 2023. Bids will be opened on February 27.

KMF expects to save about 30-35% on its electricity bills by implementing the solar project

Bidders should submit an earnest money deposit of ₹43 million (~$522,263).

The successful bidder must furnish a security deposit equivalent to 7.8% of the contract price.

KMF will procure 80% of the contracted capacity from the power project set up by a special purpose vehicle annually throughout the 25 years of the power purchase agreement.

The project cost and the tariff should reflect the requisite capacity to meet the requirement of 132.22 million units (MU) of power for 25 years.

The project capacity may vary from 110 MW, and the award will depend on the acceptability of the tariff by the member unions and the expected savings from the group captive open-access solar power project.

KMF has stated that if it includes bulk milk chilling units, the project size may go up to 115 MW or 185 MUs before awarding the project.

Tenders from Joint ventures are not eligible to participate.

Bidders should have achieved a minimum financial turnover of ₹ 2.7 billion (~$ 33.3 million) in at least two of the last five financial years.

Bidders should have designed, developed, and installed solar projects of cumulative value not less than 80-100 MW.

Bidders should also have completed at least one similar work of a captive/group captive solar power project of value not less than 50% of the estimated value of the project.

Preference will be given to bidders with experience establishing a project in Karnataka.

In September 2022, KMF issued a request for proposal for project management consultancy services to assist the federation in setting up an approximately 100 MW group captive open-access solar power project.

In the same month, the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation issued a tender to procure 20 GWh of solar power per year through open-access projects for five years.