Chennai Port Authority Floats Tender For 2 MW Rooftop Solar Project Under RESCO Model

The Chennai Port Authority has invited online bids for the development of a 2 MWp grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the port premises. The proposed solar installation will be developed on the rooftops of the EXIM godown sheds and will follow the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model. Under this arrangement, the selected developer will be responsible for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar power system, along with operating it for the duration of the contract.

The project is estimated to cost around ₹12 crore. As part of the tender conditions, the Chennai Port Authority has set a maximum fixed tariff of ₹5.46 per unit for the electricity generated by the solar plant. This tariff is inclusive of all applicable taxes and duties and will remain fixed throughout the term of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The generated power will be supplied to meet the port’s electricity needs, supporting its transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

According to the tender document, the selected bidder must complete the installation and commissioning of the solar project within 180 days from the date of issuance of the work order. The completion timeline also includes a mandatory 10-day successful trial run of the system. After the project is commissioned and the trial run is completed successfully, the Power Purchase Agreement between the developer and the port authority will remain valid for a period of 25 years.

The bidding process will follow a two-cover system. Under this method, bidders must submit both a techno-commercial bid and a price bid. All bids must be submitted online and digitally signed by an authorized representative of the bidding company. This process ensures transparency and compliance with the procurement guidelines set by the port authority.

To participate in the tender, companies are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹24 lakh. The EMD must be deposited in favor of “The Chairman, Chennai Port Authority, Chennai.” In addition to the EMD, the successful bidder will also need to provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG). While the exact percentage of the PBG has not been specified in the notice, bidders have been advised to refer to the “Instruction to Tenderers” and the eligibility criteria mentioned in Section II, Schedule ‘A’ of the tender document for complete financial requirements.

The tender document will be available for download starting March 16, 2026, at 09:00 hrs. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2026, at 15:00 hrs and will take place at the CME’s Chamber to address queries from potential bidders. The deadline for downloading the tender document is April 9, 2026, at 14:00 hrs, while the online submission of bids will close on the same day at 14:30 hrs. The techno-commercial bids will be opened on April 10, 2026, after 15:00 hrs. All submitted bids will remain valid for 90 days from the date of the tender opening.