GIPCL Invites Bids for EPC Contract in 500 MW Solar Project at Khavda RE Park

Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL) has initiated the tender process for an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract as part of its 500 MW (AC) solar project, awarded by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). 

This project forms a segment of the expansive 2,375 MW capacity Ultra Mega Solar/Wind/Hybrid Renewable Energy Park being developed near the village of Khavda in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

The tender is focused on the procurement and delivery of bifacial solar PV modules, with a minimum capacity of 540 Wp and a maximum of 570 Wp, to be supplied to the Balance of System (BoS) contractor. The selected contractor will be responsible for manufacturing, testing, supply, packing, forwarding, handling, insurance, and transportation of these modules to the project site. The tender also includes a provision for bidders to supply 0.5 percent of the PV modules as mandatory spares.

GIPCL is developing the 2,375 MW renewable energy park with a comprehensive infrastructure plan that includes a power evacuation system, internal and external roads, stormwater drainage, street lighting, a desalination plant, administrative buildings, and security systems.

Key dates for the tender process have been announced. Pre-bid queries and clarifications must be submitted by September 3, 2024, with an online pre-bid meeting scheduled for September 4, 2024. The deadline for online tender submissions is September 25, 2024, while the physical receipt of bid documents is required by September 26, 2024. Bids will be valid for four months from the final submission date.

The tender fee is set at INR 29,500, and bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 1 Lakh per MWp for the quoted quantity. The winning bidder will also be required to provide a Security Deposit cum Performance Bank Guarantee equivalent to 10 percent of the total contract price within one month of receiving the Letter of Intent (LoI). If a bidder is unable to provide insurance coverage for the performance guarantee of the solar PV modules, they must submit a performance bank guarantee of INR 25 Lakhs per MWp, valid for 25 years after the supply is completed.

To be eligible, bidders or their holding/subsidiary companies must be manufacturers of Solar PV modules with a capacity of 540 Wp or above, as listed in the latest Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prior to the bid submission deadline.

Financially, bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover (MAAT) of INR 50 Lakhs per MWp over the last three financial years, with a positive net worth in the previous financial year.