⚡ Quick Read
- What happened: CMPDI has invited bids for a 25 MW AC (35 MW DC) ground-mounted solar project at the Dugdha-II coal washery site in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
- Why it matters: This project represents a strategic shift for Coal India subsidiaries toward captive solar generation, offering a significant turnkey EPC opportunity with a 10-year O&M mandate.
- Watch: Prospective bidders should monitor the pre-bid meeting schedule and technical specifications regarding module degradation warranties.
Background and Context
The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDI), a subsidiary of the state-owned Coal India Ltd, has launched a formal tender for a grid-connected solar power project. The initiative is located at the Dugdha-II site of the Dugdha Coal Washery, which is operated by Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This move aligns with the broader mandate of Coal India to integrate renewable energy into its mining operations to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.
Key Details
The project involves the development of a 25 MW AC (35 MW DC) ground-mounted solar power plant on a turnkey basis. The scope of work is comprehensive, covering design, engineering, procurement, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning. Furthermore, the successful bidder will be tasked with the comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of the facility for a duration of 10 years.
Technical specifications are stringent, particularly regarding the performance of the PV modules. The tender stipulates that modules must be warranted for peak output power at standard testing conditions (STC) of not less than 90% at the end of 10 years, and not less than 80% at the end of 25 years. This ensures long-term reliability and performance consistency for the asset owner.
What This Means for EPCs and Developers
For EPC contractors, this tender offers a stable project pipeline within the public sector domain. The inclusion of a 10-year O&M contract provides long-term revenue visibility, though it also necessitates robust asset management capabilities. Developers and contractors must account for the specific site conditions of a coal washery, which may present unique logistical and environmental challenges during the construction phase.
What Happens Next
Interested parties are expected to review the detailed tender documents provided by CMPDI. Following the bid submission, the evaluation process will focus on technical compliance and financial competitiveness. Stakeholders should pay close attention to any amendments or clarifications issued during the pre-bid phase, as these will define the final project delivery requirements and risk allocation parameters.
📊 Key Data
CMPDI has issued a tender for a 35 MWp solar EPC project in Jharkhand. The following table summarizes the key tender parameters.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | CMPDI (Coal India Ltd) |
| Tender Reference | Not specified |
| Capacity/Scope | 25 MW AC / 35 MW DC |
| Technology Type | Ground-mounted Solar PV |
| Project Location | Dugdha-II, Dhanbad, Jharkhand |
| Estimated Value | Not specified |
| EMD/Bid Security | Not specified |
| Bid Deadline | Not specified |
| Pre-bid Meeting | Not specified |
| Project Duration | 10 years (O&M) |
| Tariff Structure | Not specified |
| Eligibility Networth | Not specified |
| Eligibility Experience | Not specified |
| Special Conditions | 90% output at 10 years; 80% at 25 years |
| Go/No-Go Signal | 🟢 |
