The Government of Meghalaya has invited bids to empanel firms for the design, engineering, and installation of hydro, solar, wind, and biomass projects in the state.

The projects will be developed either under the build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) model, or the design, build, operate, and transfer (DBOT) category, or the power purchase agreement (PPA) model.

The last date to submit the bids has been extended to May 30, 2021, which was earlier, April 30. Bids will be opened on May 31.

Power in the state is primarily generated by the state-owned Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL).

The successful bidder will also have to take care of the operation and maintenance activities of the projects for 40 years for hydropower projects and 25 years for solar, wind, and biomass projects. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the possible evacuation arrangement to the nearest 33/11 kV substation.

The power department will assist in providing land to set up the projects. The projects aim to put to use various technologies within the framework approved by the power department. Only commercially established technologies will be used to minimize the technology risk and achieve the timely commissioning of the projects.

The final allotment of the projects will be done through separate competitive bidding between the empaneled partners. The bidders will have to submit the feasibility report and the financial model along with their offers concept note.

In November last year, MePGCL floated a tender to select developers for 20 MW of grid-connected solar power projects at the Thamar and Suchen solar parks in the state.

Earlier, the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation had invited bids to develop 50 MW off-grid rooftop solar power projects at various locations in the state. The projects were to be developed under the third phase of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s off-grid and decentralized solar applications program.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, Meghalaya has so far floated tenders for 43 MW of grid-connected solar power projects.