The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is on the lookout for an engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor to develop a 5 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

SECI has tendered the capacity on behalf of V.O Chidambaranar Port Trust, located in the city of Tuticorin.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, procurement, supply of equipment and materials, testing, inspections, associated civil works, services, permits, licenses, installation, insurance, testing, and commissioning of the 5 MWW grid-connected solar PV project.

The successful EPC contractor will be responsible for 10 years of operation and maintenance (O&M) services for the project. The O&M contract can be extended to the mutually agreed terms and conditions for a period of minimum of 10 years.

The project will be developed on the land owned by V.O Chidambaranar Port Trust, which will also be the owner of the grid-connected solar PV project. The power will be utilized for the captive consumption by the port trust.

The modules used in the project development must be warranted for a minimum of 10 years against all material and manufacturing defects as well as workmanship.

Gradually, various Indian ports are following in the footsteps of airports and turning to solar energy to meet their increasing energy needs as well as to cut down on their harmful emissions. With this development, Tamil Nadu’s Chidambaranar Port Trust has become the latest entrant to this list.

In August 2017, Bosch, a supplier of technology and services, commissioned a 4 MW solar project at the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT).

In January 2017, SECI tendered a 2 MW solar PV project to be constructed at the Haldia dock complex on behalf of the Kolkata Port Trust.

In 2016, SECI had tendered a 10 MW solar PV project to be developed at the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) premises in Odisha for self-consumption.