DVC Floats Tender For 10 MW Floating Solar Project At Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has announced a new tender for setting up a renewable energy project at its Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station (RTPS). The project is aimed at expanding the company’s focus on green energy and will involve the erection, testing, and commissioning of a floating system for a 10 MW (AC) Grid-Tied Floating Solar PV (FSPV) plant.

The plant will be built on the raw water reservoir at RTPS, where the floating system will be installed to support the solar modules. This initiative is important as it demonstrates the growing use of innovative solar solutions in India, particularly floating solar, which optimizes the use of water surfaces without disturbing land resources. The scope of work includes the installation of the floating system, along with balanced supply and other associated tasks required for the successful implementation of the project.

A special feature of this tender is that it will be executed on a “single OEM” basis with M/s Floatex Solar Pvt. Ltd., a company that has prior expertise in such projects. This indicates a pre-arranged partnership with a specialized firm to ensure technical efficiency and quality in execution. By selecting a single original equipment manufacturer, DVC is focusing on expertise-driven work for a capital-intensive project.

The tender documents became available on September 1, 2025, giving interested parties over a month to prepare their submissions. The last date for submission of bids has been fixed as October 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The technical bids will be opened the very next day, on October 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM. This clear timeline reflects a structured approach to the tendering process.

In terms of financial requirements, bidders must provide an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹19,68,025 to participate in the process. Additionally, the successful bidder will have to submit a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) equivalent to 3% of the total contract value. These conditions underline the importance of ensuring serious participation and accountability in the project’s execution.

The development of this 10 MW floating solar project is part of DVC’s broader plan to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on conventional thermal generation. By integrating solar generation into its existing infrastructure, DVC is contributing to the national renewable energy targets while also exploring efficient use of water bodies. Floating solar projects have the added advantage of reducing water evaporation from reservoirs, thus serving a dual purpose of energy generation and water conservation.

Once completed, the floating solar plant at RTPS will mark an important milestone for DVC in renewable energy deployment. It shows how public sector undertakings are stepping up efforts to adopt innovative technologies and align themselves with the country’s commitment to clean energy. With clear timelines, defined financial terms, and the engagement of a specialized OEM, the project is expected to move forward smoothly and set a benchmark for similar projects in the future.