DRDO’s PXE Invites EOI For 5 MW Solar Project With Battery Storage In Odisha

The Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), operating under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued an Expression of Interest for setting up a 5 MW solar power project at its Chandipur facility in the Balasore district of Odisha. PXE is one of India’s important defence laboratories and is primarily involved in proof and flight testing of armament stores and artillery systems. The proposed solar project is part of the establishment’s effort to adopt clean energy solutions while ensuring reliable power for its critical operations.

The project involves the development of a ground-mounted, grid-connected solar photovoltaic plant along with a Battery Energy Storage System. The integration of battery storage is expected to improve power reliability and help manage fluctuations in solar generation. The project will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company model, under which a Solar Power Developer will be selected to take full responsibility for the project.

As per the EOI, the selected developer will be responsible for the complete scope of work, including design, financing, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning of the solar power plant. After commissioning, the developer will also handle the operation and maintenance of the project for a period of 25 years. PXE has allocated approximately 25 acres of land for the project within its premises.

While the developer will bear the entire project cost, including the construction of transmission lines up to the nearest state substation, PXE will provide administrative support. The establishment will also facilitate the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement with the local utility or distribution company to enable power offtake from the solar project.

The EOI is open to Indian companies or consortiums that meet defined technical and financial eligibility criteria. On the technical front, bidders must have experience in developing a cumulative capacity of at least 25 MW of grid-connected solar projects. They must also have completed at least one individual solar project of 5 MW or higher capacity. In addition, applicants are required to demonstrate a successful operation and maintenance track record of at least six months for a 5 MW solar project.

Financially, bidders must submit audited financial statements for the past three years and demonstrate a positive net worth. This requirement aims to ensure that only financially sound developers participate in the project.

Interested parties are required to submit a detailed proposal, including a concept note, project execution methodology, and supporting documents related to technical and financial capability. The EOI has been issued; the document does not mention the deadline for submission or the schedule for the pre-bid meeting. Details related to the earnest money deposit and performance bank guarantee have also not been specified at this stage and are expected to be provided during the request for proposal phase after the initial shortlisting.