CMPDI Floats Tender for 25 MW Solar Project in Jharkhand

Background and Context

The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), a subsidiary of Coal India, continues to ramp up its renewable energy footprint to support the decarbonization of mining operations. As part of this strategic push, the institute has issued a tender for a 25 MW solar power project located at the Dugdha Coal Washery in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This initiative is designed to provide sustainable power to Bharat Coking Coal, aligning with broader national goals to integrate clean energy into the coal sector.

Key Details

The project is estimated at a cost of ₹1.55 billion (~$16.43 million). The scope of work encompasses the complete development of the 25 MW solar facility, including a mandatory 10-year operation and maintenance (O&M) contract. Interested parties must submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹5 million (~$52,985). The project timeline is strictly defined, requiring completion within one year from the date of the contract award.

Technical and financial eligibility criteria are stringent. Bidders must demonstrate experience through the completion of three similar projects costing at least 20% of the estimated project value, two projects at 25%, or one project at 40%. Financially, bidders are required to maintain an average annual turnover of at least 30% of the estimated cost over the last three years, with a minimum net worth of 10% of the project cost.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender represents a substantial utility-scale opportunity in the Jharkhand region. Compliance is a critical factor; the tender mandates that solar modules must be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List I, while solar cells must be sourced from ALMM List II. Furthermore, the tender emphasizes local manufacturing support, providing preference to Class I (at least 50% local content) and Class II (20% to 50% local content) suppliers. Developers must factor these procurement constraints into their cost estimations and supply chain planning.

What Happens Next

The submission window for bids is open until April 29, 2026, with the bid opening scheduled for the following day. Given the technical requirements and the emphasis on ALMM-compliant components, contractors should begin vetting their supply chain partners immediately. CMPDI’s history of issuing similar tenders for Central Coalfields and Northern Coalfields suggests a sustained pipeline of solar projects within the mining sector, making this a key project to monitor for long-term portfolio growth.