The Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JDVVNL) has issued three tenders to set up and operate grid-connected solar power projects totaling 295.32 MW under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program. These projects aim to solarize various subdivisions within the Hanumangarh Circle in Rajasthan, India.
The projects will be developed under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model, and the successful bidder will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the projects for 25 years. The estimated cost of each megawatt is ₹35 million, and bidders must submit ₹100,000/MW as an earnest money deposit. Additionally, they must furnish ₹500,000/MW as a performance bank guarantee.
The selected bidder will also be responsible for supplying and erecting the necessary 33 kV or 11 kV line to connect the solar power projects with the respective substation, including the required bay, breakers, and metering system.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) will be executed between the chosen bidder and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam (RUVNL) for a 25-year period, based on the levelized tariff approved by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission. The projects must be commissioned within nine months of signing the PPA, using commercially established and operational technologies.
To be eligible for the tenders, bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of at least 30% of the total cost of the quoted capacity in the last three financial years. The use of indigenously manufactured modules on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is mandatory.
The first tender seeks bids for 47 solar projects totaling 127.32 MW, while the second tender calls for 35 projects totaling 96.56 MW, and the third tender is for 26 projects with a combined capacity of 71.44 MW. The deadlines to submit online bids for each tender are August 16, August 21, and August 23, 2023, respectively.
For landowners, farmers, or individuals providing land for the project, an undertaking certifying ownership of assets amounting to at least 20% of the total cost of the quoted capacity is required. Additionally, the selected bidder must guarantee a minimum generation corresponding to a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 19% of the AC capacity of the solar projects.
In case of delayed payments by RUVNL, a late payment surcharge of 1.25% per month will be paid to the solar power generator on the outstanding amount.
