The Railways Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), a joint venture of Indian Railways and RITES Limited, has invited bid for the setting up of 50 MWp solar project on railways land at Bhilai, Chhattisgarh under tariff based competitive bidding.

The earnest Money Deposit (EMD) for the solar project is ₹1 million (~$14,119.31)/MWp.

Pre-bid meeting will take place on October 25, 2018 and the last date for the submission of bid is November 30, 2018.

The power from this project will be utilized by Railways and South East Central Railway (SECR) will sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the selected bidder for a period of 25 years. The scope of work includes the design, build, finance,operation, transfer (construction) and selling the solar power.

Mercom reported previously that Indian Railways is continuing its efforts to add solar for its electricity requirements. Railways is the single largest consumer of electricity in the country, with roughly 2 percent share of national energy consumption.

Moreover, Indian Railways has announced that it is planning to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 and is working tirelessly on all fronts to reduce its carbon footprint. The infrastructure as well as the space available to the Indian Railways has opened avenues for the development of rooftop and ground-mount solar projects that can be utilized to address its increasing energy needs.

Recently, it was reported that Indian Railways is gradually turning towards green initiatives for electrification as well as decarbonization. Solar panels at rooftops of 78 railway stations across Kerala have been planned based on feasibility at the stations.

Mercom previously reported that the Railways had announced it will soon launch tenders to set up large-scale solar power projects, inching closer towards its overall solar power target of 5 GW. The 5 GW capacity will consist of utility-scale and rooftop solar power projects.