The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step toward renewable energy adoption with the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of a 5 MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at Chandipur in Balasore district, Odisha. This project will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, aiming to enhance sustainable energy generation at the facility.
The main goal of this EOI is to identify and shortlist technically qualified developers with experience in similar solar projects. The selected Solar Power Developer (SPD) will be responsible for the complete project lifecycle, including design, engineering, financing, procurement, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning. In addition, the SPD will be required to provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for 25 years to ensure continuous and efficient power generation.
The project will be developed on around 25 acres of land provided by PXE. The scope of work also includes establishing the necessary transmission arrangements up to the nearest State Transmission Utility (STU) substation, with power evacuation expected at a 33 kV or higher voltage level.
To be eligible, bidders must be Indian companies with cumulative experience of at least 25 MW of grid-connected solar projects, including at least one project of 5 MW at a single location. Financially, bidders must submit audited statements for the last three years demonstrating a positive net worth. The EOI clearly prohibits participation through Joint Ventures (JV), emphasizing that only single entities can apply.
The process will be carried out entirely online via the official government portal (https://defproc.gov.in). PXE has mentioned that there is no EOI processing fee for participation. However, the EOI does not specify the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) or Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) amounts; these will be determined later, and shortlisted bidders are expected to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or Integrity Pact as part of the process. PXE also reserves the right to modify or cancel the EOI process at any stage without liability.
Key dates include the publication of the EOI on December 31, 2025. The last date for online submission is January 30, 2026, by 1:00 PM, with the opening of bids scheduled for the same day at 2:00 PM. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months, and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will have a duration of 25 years. The initiative reflects PXE’s commitment to adopting clean energy solutions and providing long-term operational reliability through the RESCO model.
This project represents a crucial step in integrating renewable energy into defence infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and encouraging experienced Indian solar developers to contribute to a long-term clean energy initiative.
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