Indore-based Universal Transformers, a provider of electrical and automation solutions, has bagged the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract in the West Bengal Power Development Corporation’s (WBPDCL) auction to set up 22.5 MW of grid-connected floating solar projects at the Bakreswar, Santhaldih, and Sagardidhi thermal power plants.

Of the total capacity, a 10 MW floating solar project will be developed at Bakreswar thermal power plant, while 7.5 MW and 5 MW will be developed at Santhaldih and Sagardidhi thermal plants, respectively.

The successful bidder must also take care of the project’s operation and maintenance (O&M) for five years.

10 MW Floating Solar Project

The total contract value approved by WBPDCL to install and commission the 10 MW floating power project at the Bakreswar thermal power plant is ₹594.59 million (~$7.24 million).

The net minimum guaranteed generation for the first year after the commissioning of the project should be 16.39 MU, reducing at a rate of 0.7% per year for the subsequent years.

7.5 MW Floating Solar Project

The total contract value approved by WBPDCL to install and commission the 7.5 MW floating solar project at the Santhaldih thermal power plant is ₹445.94 million (~$5.43 million).

The net minimum guaranteed generation for the first year should be 12.5 MU, reducing at a rate of 0.7% per year for the subsequent years.

5 MW Floating Solar Project  

The total contract value approved by WBPDCL to install and commission the 5 MW floating solar project at the Sagardidhi thermal power plant is ₹297.29 million (~$3.62 million).

The net minimum guaranteed generation for the first year should be 7.6 MU, reducing at a rate of 0.7% per year for the subsequent years.

The tender was first floated in December 2021. However, it was retendered in March 2023.

Universal Transformers must commission the projects within 12 months of receiving the letter of award for Bakreshwar and Santhaldih and within ten months for Sagardidhi. After commissioning these projects, the successful bidders must provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for five years.

Within 15 days from the issuance of the letter of award, the company must furnish an amount equivalent to 3% of the contract value as a contract performance guarantee for each of the three contracts.

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