The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has invited tenders for the building of a 5 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power plant, marking a significant step toward green energy adoption. The project will be located at the Balakudra Open Cast Project (OCP)'s Old OB Dump in the Barkasayal Area of Jharkhand, India.

The solar power plant's scope of work comprises design, engineering, construction, fabrication, erection, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. It must have a minimum 35% DC overload capacity and include all civil, structural, and electrical works, as well as all necessary accessories and amenities. The project also includes power evacuation and a five-year operation and maintenance plan.

The project is anticipated to be worth around 32.81 crore (including GST). Notably, the Net Electrical Energy Generation Guarantee (NEEGG) at the Bhurkunda Substation metering point is set at 1,01,77,819 kWh for the first year following successful plant start-up.

The project has a total duration of 2065 days, with building and commissioning lasting 240 days and thorough operation and maintenance taking 1825 days. Interested bidders must visit the Coal India Limited tenders website and present a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by an approved agency under the Controller of Certifying Authority (CCA), Government of India. The work is expected to begin within 30 days of the acceptance letter being issued.

Bidders interested in participating in the project must submit their ideas by October 25, 2023. The bidding process will conclude the next day with the opening of bids.