The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) has made a significant announcement regarding the latest developments in the renewable energy sector. As part of the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY 2.0), MAHAGENCO has invited bids for the design, engineering, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of 569 MW of grid-connected solar power projects.
Solarizing Agricultural Feeders
The main objective of these solar power projects is to solarize agriculture feeders in multiple districts of Maharashtra. By incorporating solar energy into agricultural practices, the state aims to increase the sustainability and efficiency of farming operations while reducing the dependency on conventional energy sources.
Project Details and Key Dates
Interested parties must oversee the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the projects on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis for a period of three years. The deadline for submitting bids is set for May 5, 2024. The bid will be opened and evaluated on May 10. Tender Fees and Project Allocation Bidders must pay a tender fee of Rs 29,500 and an earnest money deposit of Rs 200,000 per MW. They have the option to bid for a minimum of one location or a maximum of eight locations from the list of 33/11 kV Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company substations.
Project Site Budget and O&M Costs
To maintain cost efficiency, the maximum limit for each project site is capped at Rs 20 million per MW. Furthermore, the first-year O&M cost limit is set at Rs 400,000 per MW per project site. Qualification Criteria To qualify for participation, bidders should demonstrate their experience in executing ground-mounted solar projects on a turnkey basis, preferably with a cumulative capacity of at least 40% of the quoted capacity. It is necessary for bidders to have conducted at least one project with a capacity of 2 MW or higher at a single location, which should have been in operation for a minimum of three months before the bid submission deadline.
Financial Requirements
In terms of financial requirements, bidders must have an average annual turnover of at least Rs 10 million per MW for the past three financial years. Their net worth should also be positive as of the last day of the previous financial year. Additional Tender for Solar Modules In addition to the grid-connected solar projects, MAHAGENCO has also issued a separate tender for the manufacturing and supply of 750 MWp of solar modules. These modules will be used for projects being developed under MSKVY 2.0 across Maharashtra.
Progress Towards Renewable Energy
The initiatives undertaken by MAHAGENCO under MSKVY 2.0 are significant steps towards promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions in Maharashtra. By encouraging the adoption of solar power in agricultural practices and providing opportunities for private firms to contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals, Maharashtra is making substantial progress in its transition towards a greener future.
