The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) has floated a tender for the extension of a solar power evacuation line at the Sagardighi thermal power project in the state.

The estimated cost for the expansion of the 220kV bus is ₹141.6 million (~$1.98 million) and interested bidders are expected to provide an earnest money deposit of ₹2.8 million (~$39,235). The deadline for the submission of bids is December 18, 2019.

Evacuation lines play a crucial role in power generation and distribution as they allow generated power to be immediately distributed to the grid straight from the producer.

The scope of the work involves the complete civil, structural, architectural work including the design, supply, fabrication, erection, construction, maintenance, labor, tools, as required for the successful execution of the turnkey project.

Bidders are expected to have erected, tested and commissioned at least two circuit breaker equipped bays of at least 132 kV, or one substation including Substation Automation System (SAS) in India under a single contract.

They are also expected to have a portfolio of at least three similar completed projects costing more than ₹56.6 million (~$793,117) each, or two costing over ₹70.8 million (~$992,096) each or one similar project over ₹113.3 million (~$186,368) in the last seven years.

To meet the financial eligibility criteria, bidding parties must have had an average turnover of over ₹42.5 million (~$595,538) and a positive net worth each year for the last three years.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with increasing power demand in the coming years. Historically, the country has also been a power deficit with millions of people without access to the grid. While generation is catching up with especially with the growth in solar and wind, the adequate transmission has always been a challenge leading to grid congestion and curtailment according to Mercom Solar Market Updates.

Lack of transmission infrastructure has been a growing concern for solar and wind companies in the country. In the past, Mercom has written about how, with the expected surge in electricity demand over the coming decade and the rapid installation of solar and wind, India’s transmission and distribution system requires significant expansion.