Cochin Port Authority Invites Bids For 1.5 MWp Floating Solar Project Under RESCO Model

The Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) has issued a tender for the implementation of a 1.5 MWp grid-connected floating solar PV project at Willingdon Island, Cochin. This project is part of the Green Port Initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoP, S&W) to promote renewable energy in major ports. The project will be executed under the RESCO model, with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 25 years. The selected Solar Power Developer (SPD) will be responsible for site survey, design, engineering, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar plant.

The estimated project cost is ₹6,25,50,000 (₹6.25 crore). The selected bidder must install 11kV switchgear, transformers, underground cables, metering and protection devices, and a SCADA system to connect the solar plant to CoPA’s 110kV substation. The entire project must be completed within 12 months from the date of signing the PPA.

The tender follows a single-stage two-cover bidding system through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The deadline for bid submission is February 28, 2025, at 3 PM. The techno-commercial bids will be opened online on the GeM portal, while the date for opening price bids will be communicated later.

Bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹12,51,000, which is 2% of the estimated cost. The EMD can be furnished through a demand draft, fixed deposit receipt, banker’s cheque, or bank guarantee in favor of FA&CAO, Cochin Port Authority, payable in Cochin. Exemptions will be provided to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) upon submission of valid MSME/NSIC/UAM certificates.

The successful bidder must provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) amounting to 5% of the estimated project cost within 21 days of receiving the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) or before signing the PPA, whichever is earlier. Failure to submit the PBG within one month will result in penalties, including a delay charge of 1% of the PBG amount per month or forfeiture of the EMD if the delay extends beyond one month.

The project will require various statutory approvals, including clearance from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC). The Cochin Port Authority will execute the PPA with the selected bidder within 90 days of issuing the LoA or within 30 days of KSERC’s approval. The selected SPD must ensure compliance with all grid connectivity, metering, and regulatory requirements.

The tender emphasizes the use of locally manufactured solar modules and equipment, following the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines. The project’s location in the backwaters near CoPA’s Walkway Avenue requires careful consideration of environmental and technical aspects, including compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines.

Overall, this project is expected to contribute to Cochin Port’s renewable energy goals by generating solar power while reducing its dependence on grid electricity. Interested bidders must adhere to all technical and financial requirements outlined in the tender documents and submit their proposals within the specified timeline.