In March last year the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had issued viability gap funding (VGF) scheme for state-run power generators to set up 12 GW of grid-connected solar PV power projects using domestically-made equipment. The capacity is to be added in 4 years period from financial year 2019-20 to 2022-23.
As part of this scheme (second phase of the Central Public Sector Undertaking Scheme), Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has invited bids to set up cumulative 30 MW of grid-connected solar capacity on EPC basis with VGF support.
The projects shall come up in three different regions of the State—10 MW each in Lower Assam Zone, Central Assam Zone and Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi.
These are eligible for maximum VGF of Rs 6.8 million per MW, half of which will be released to the EPC contractor on award of contract and the balance 50% on successful commissioning of the full project capacity.
The developer’s scope of work includes design, construction and supply of solar power generating systems meeting the domestic content requirement. It shall also provide operation and maintenance support for a period of 25 years.
Solar projects are to be designed for inter-connection with the grid at voltage level as specified by APDCL. A single developer can bid for minimum 1 MW, up to whole of 30 MW.
Bidding closes on January 27.
Off-grid solar
APDCL has also invited bids for setting up 940 KW of off-grid solar (comprising 188 plants of 5 KWp capacity each) under state budgetary support of annual plan 2019-20. The projects shall come up in different rural primary health centres across the state. Estimated project cost is Rs 103,000 per KWp.
Completion period is six months from the award of contract. Bidding closes on January 21.
