The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) has successfully auctioned a 5 MW, grid-connected floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project to be developed in the district of Murshidabad.

When contacted a senior WBPDCL official confirmed the culmination of 5 MW floating solar PV auction and said a Gurgaon-based company, International Coil Limited has won the contract.

The bids quoted were for the entire capacity on auction. Companies quoted lump sum project cost bids which ranged between ₹269.12 million (~$4.14 million)  and ₹475.48 million (~$7.32 million)  for the entire 5 MW. International Coil Limited quoted the lowest (L1) tariff of ₹269.12 million (~$4.14 million).

In all five bidders participated in the financial round. Adani Infra quoted ₹337.25 million (~$5.19 million)  for 5 MW, Vikram Solar bid ₹379.82 million (~$5.84 million) for 5 MW, Sterling & Wilson quoted ₹393.59 million (~$6.06 million) for 5 MW and Giriraj Renewables quoted ₹475.48 million (~$7.32 million)  for the entire capacity.

The project will be developed on turnkey basis and must be completed within six months said the WBPDCL official when asked about project commissioning timeframe. When asked if any grant will be provided by WBPDCL for this project’s development, the WBPDCL official said, “No, there is no provision for any grant for this project.”

WBPDCL had tendered the project in February 2018.

Image credit: Ciel_et_Terre