NHPC has invited bids to set up a pilot project for a green hydrogen-based mobility station in Kargil, Ladakh, to run two hydrogen fuel cell-based buses within the vicinity of the area.

The contractor will also be responsible for developing a 500 kW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project to supply power to the station.

The desired electrolyzer technology for the project should fall under the Alkaline, Proton Exchange Membrane, Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell, or Anion Exchange Membrane type.

The requirement entails the installation of two units, each with a capacity of 30 Nm3/hour. The estimated daily hydrogen production target is 40 kg, ensuring a minimum purity level of 99.97%.

The project should be commissioned within one year of receiving the work order. Developers must oversee the project’s operation and maintenance for three years.

The last day to submit the bids is July 19, 2023. The bids will be opened on July 24.

Bidders should submit an earnest money deposit of ₹4 million (~$48,817). The selected bidder should remit 5% of the project cost as performance bank guarantee.

Eligible bidders must be original equipment manufacturers specializing in water electrolyzers or electrolyzer stacks with a minimum hydrogen production capacity of 2 Kg per hour. Additionally, bidders who possess prior experience in the supply, erection, and commissioning of hydrogen production systems with a similar capacity can submit bids.

Collaborative bids from bidders working in conjunction with an original equipment manufacturer of water electrolyzers or electrolyzer stacks, meeting the minimum 2 Kg per hour hydrogen production capacity requirement, are also eligible.

Bidders should have completed three comparable projects with a minimum value of ₹100 million ($1.2 million) each, two projects valued at ₹125 million ($1.5 million) each, or a single project valued at ₹200 million (~$2.4 million) within the past seven years either as a contractor or a developer.

They should have an average annual turnover of ₹75.3 million (~$919,008) in the last three years. They should have a positive net worth in any three of the last five years.

Bidders should have a working capital of ₹180 million (~$2.2 million) to meet the financial requirements to complete the project.

The solar modules used should be listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and should have a minimum wattage of 320 Wp.

Modules must be warranted for ten years, and the output peak watt capacity should be at least 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25 years.

Earlier this year, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate demand creation, production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen with an initial outlay of ₹197.4 billion (~$2.3 billion).

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