The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a tender on behalf of the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to construct a 25 MW solar power project at its Bhojudih Coal Washery in Purulia, West Bengal.

Bidders are not required to make an earnest money deposit for the tender. The last date for submission of bids is March 10, 2021.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, procurement, supply, testing,  civil work,  permits, testing, and commissioning of the solar project. Selected bidders are expected to provide five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance services for the project.

To be eligible to participate in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have experience executing at least one 13 MW ground-mounted solar project in the last seven years as an engineering, procurement, and construction contractor or as a developer. Alternatively, they must have completed two such projects of 3 MW each in the same period.

The solar modules used for the project must be registered as per the list of Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules Order, 2019. The modules supplier must have supplied a minimum of 500 MW in India in the past five years. The modules have to be warranted against all material and manufacturing defects and workmanship for a minimum of 10 years from the date of supply.

Bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of ₹471 million (~$6.4 million) in the last three years and a positive net worth in the last financial year. They are also expected to have a minimum working capital of ₹294.4 million (~$4 million) per their last audited financial statement.

BCCL is a government undertaking engaged in the mining of coal and allied activities. It produces the bulk of the coking coal mined in the country.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, SECI has floated 9.1 GW of solar tenders on behalf of other organizations.

Government-owned coal companies are increasingly looking at sourcing solar for their energy needs.

Coal India Limited has invited bids for the empanelment of engineering, procurement, and construction contractors for ground-mounted and floating solar power projects being developed by it and its subsidiaries.

Coal India announced that it would invest ₹56.50 billion (~$763 million) by March 2024 to develop 14 solar power projects to help power its mining operations. The state-owned company will fund nearly two-thirds of the total capacity of 3 GW of rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects. The company would enter into a joint venture with the NLC India Limited and fund the rest of its solar expansion plans.