Coal India Floats Tender For 20 MW Floating Solar Project At Chilwa Taal In Uttar Pradesh

Coal India Limited has taken another step toward expanding its renewable energy footprint by inviting domestic competitive bids for the development of a 20 MW (AC) grid-connected floating solar photovoltaic power plant. The project is proposed to be set up at Chilwa Taal in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh and forms part of the company’s broader efforts to diversify its energy portfolio beyond coal-based power generation.

According to the tender details, the project will be executed on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) basis. The selected bidder will be responsible for the complete scope of work, including design, detailed engineering, procurement of equipment, supply, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of the floating solar PV plant. The project also includes associated electrical works and grid connectivity to ensure reliable evacuation of power.

Coal India has specified that the solar plant must be designed with a minimum DC overload capacity of 40 percent. This requirement is aimed at improving plant utilization and ensuring higher energy output. For the first year of operation, the project is expected to generate a minimum net electrical energy of 38,544,000 units, highlighting the performance benchmarks set by the company for the project.

In addition to construction, the successful bidder will be responsible for the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the plant for a period of five years after commissioning. This long-term O&M responsibility is intended to ensure consistent performance, proper upkeep of the floating structures and electrical systems, and adherence to safety and operational standards throughout the initial years of operation.

To participate in the bidding process, companies must meet specific technical and financial eligibility criteria. From a technical standpoint, bidders are required to have prior experience in executing similar EPC projects. Specifically, they must have completed a cumulative capacity of at least 7 MW (AC), with at least one individual project of 2 MW (AC) or more, during the last seven years. This condition ensures that only experienced players with proven capabilities in solar project execution are considered.

Financial eligibility requirements have also been clearly defined. Bidders must have achieved an average annual turnover of at least ₹42.105 crore during the last three financial years. In addition, the net worth of the bidder must be a minimum of ₹14.035 crore. These criteria are designed to assess the financial strength and stability of participating companies, reducing the risk of delays or non-performance.

The estimated cost of the project is ₹140.35 crore, inclusive of goods and services tax. As part of the tender conditions, bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit of ₹50 lakh. The EMD must be paid through online modes such as net banking or NEFT/RTGS. Performance security will be applicable as per the provisions outlined in the notice inviting tender, typically involving a security deposit to safeguard the project owner’s interests.

The contract also provides retention money, with 5 percent to be deducted from running bills. However, Coal India has clarified that the total of performance security and retention money will not exceed 10 percent of the overall contract value.

The total contract period for the project is 72 months. This includes 12 months allocated for construction and commissioning, followed by 60 months for operation and maintenance. All key dates related to the tender process, including publication of the tender, bid submission timelines, and pre-bid meeting schedules, are available on the official Coal India e-procurement portal. Interested bidders must possess a valid Digital Signature Certificate to participate in the online bidding process.