Gujarat Floats Tender For 700 MW Solar PV Projects

The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has tendered for the development of 700 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic projects. The project will be divided into 3 plots of 250 MW, 250 MW and 200 MW capacity, and will be set up under Phase III of Raghanesda Solar Park located in the state.

The projects will be developed under build own operate (BOO) basis. The projects will be developed on three plots. While two plots have specifications for 250 MW each, the third one will have 200 MW of solar projects. All eligible bidders can bid for the project in the following capacities: 700 MW, 500 MW, 450 MW, 250 MW, or 200 MW i.e. a bidder must bid at minimum for an entire plot or a combination of two or three plots.

Successful bidders will enter 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with GUVNL. The successful bidder must clear and report the financing arrangements for the projects within 12 months from the date of execution of PPA. An extension for the attainment of the financial closure can be considered by GUVNL on an advance payment of extension charges that would be ₹10,000 per day.

The GUVNL will hold a pre-bid meeting on October 17, 2018. The capacity has been tendered to fulfill the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) and to meet the future requirements of the state distribution companies (DISCOMs). The last date for bid-submissions has been set to November 15, 2018, a month after the pre-bid meeting leaving scope for further meetings if necessary.

The bidders bidding for more than one plot can be allocated partial capacity by GUVNL, subject to minimum capacity allocation equivalent to the size of the plot available for allocation under bucket filling approach and the capacity bid from other successful bidders.

The projects will be designed for delivery of energy at 220/400 kV Khimanawaas sub-station of CTU through 33/220 kV internal pooling sub-station developed by the solar park developer. The successful bidders and the solar park developer will enter into implementation and support agreements.

Recently, we reported that GUVNL’s decision to re-tender its 500 MW solar tender was vindicated, when Aditya Birla Renewables, besides Giriraj Renewables, quoted an L1 tariff of Rs 2.44 per unit for 100 MW and 300 MW respectively. Temporarily dispelling fears of the safeguard duty impact, although with the double blow of rupee depreciation since then, it remains to be seen how the tariffs fare.