ISA Floats Tender for 1150 MW Solar Project in Cuba

In partnership with the Cuban government, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), has launched a tender to establish 1150 MW solar plant. An ISA statement stated that the project management consultant for ISA is state-owned NTPC.

Cuba plans to build 2100 MW solar projects. This will reduce the dependence on diesel generators that are polluting and increase its green energy portfolio. To ensure grid reliability, it also includes the construction of 150 MWh/150 MWh storage.

Ajay Mathur, Director General, ISA said the Association has a strong pipeline of solar park projects in Latin America, Africa and Asia and this project in Cuba is the first tender of many.

The ISA and NTPC have been working with Cuban officials and engineers to ensure the success of the tender, the statement said.

This is the first project in ISA’s broader program for solar parks. It seeks to assist developing markets in structuring bankable, economically sound solar parks by providing technical support, transparent, competitive tendering, and formulating effective project agreements such as PPAs and implementation agreements.

NTPC has submitted a Request for Qualification (tender), on behalf of UNE for the selection of eligible participants.

The final stage of the tender will see these selected participants called for Request for Proposal (RFP). After the RFP stage, the winning bidders will receive the project.

To ensure that the tender is successful, the ISA, NTPC and Cuban officials have worked together. “We’ve visited multiple sites and have thoroughly examined the potential for resource, land suitability, transmission availability, and other factors.” The project is technically ready to attract international investment and we are excited to assist in moving it forward,” said the Project Manager at NTPC.

A functional scheme will support the project by guaranteeing the return on investments and the benefits from fossil fuels savings. Along with other guarantees, a sovereign guarantee will be extended to the project. With the appropriate procedures and permits expedited according to Cuban regulations, the project will be given priority.

Pre-bid meeting for the project is on August 25th, and a submission deadline is of September 28th.