Fresh Deadline of September 3 for 3 MW Solar Projects in Leh

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the deadline for submission of bids for the first centrally tendered solar project in Leh, Ladakh. The tender issued back in July had a tentative deadline date of 23rd August, 2018 but has now been extended to 3rd September, 2018.

SECI in July this year issued a tender on behalf of construction agency Military Engineer Services (MES), for the design, engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of the two projects at Tangtse and Durbuk in Leh district (Ladakh). The project capacity was equally tendered between the two sites as 1.5 MW solar plants which will also include installation of battery energy storage systems of 0.75MW / 2.5MWh at each of the two sites.

Along with the notice for extension, SECI has also released a list of all the amendments that have been made in clauses of the initial tender. Changes in the clauses include a payback system which will require the bidders/operators to maintain 90% efficiency of the BESS system throughout the year, or the payment of a compensation. Other changes mandate the bidders to only use solar modules manufactured in India.

Amendments – http://seci.co.in/web-data/docs/MES%20Leh_Amendment_20_08_2018.pdf

Clarifications – http://seci.co.in/web-data/docs/MES%20Leh_Clarifications_20_08_2018.pdf

SECI haven’t stated why the tender deadline was extended but early assumptions suggest the impact of the safeguard duty turmoil in the market and advancements in the National Energy Storage Mission which is looking to promote energy storage systems and solutions in the country. With the introduction of solar, Ladakh will finally be able source energy from grid connected renewable sources. However, the way forward for them remains in Solar-Wind hybrids which will also be complemented by the centre’s hybrid energy policy and latest amendments in its clauses.