GRIDCO, Odisha’s renewable energy nodal agency, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a consultant for an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the proposed 225 MW Upper Indravati Floating Solar Photovoltaic and battery energy storage system (BESS) project. The development, including power evacuation infrastructure and transmission lines, is planned across Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts.

The consultancy will assess the project’s environmental and social impacts under applicable Indian regulations, the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards 2012 and World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines. The selected consultant will undertake technical, physical, biological and socio-economic studies, identify risks and recommend mitigation measures.

The scope covers the project footprint on the Indravati reservoir and potential effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity and nearby communities. It also includes a Critical Habitat Assessment, hydrodynamic water quality modelling and oil spill modelling for synthetic transformer oils. These studies will support evaluation of ecological sensitivities and operational risks associated with the floating solar installation.

The consultant will examine BESS-related risks, including fire incidents, thermal runaway, hazardous waste management and other environmental and operational hazards. A Climate Change Risk Assessment will also evaluate the project’s vulnerability to climate-related threats and identify adaptation measures. Required management documents include an Environmental and Social Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Livelihood Restoration Plan and Indigenous Peoples Development Plan.

GRIDCO issued the tender document on October 16, 2026. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 30 at the agency’s conference hall, with video conferencing available, while responses to queries and any corrigendum are due on November 3. Online bid submission closes on November 17 at 3:00 PM, with techno-commercial bids opening at 5:00 PM. Technical evaluation is scheduled for November 20, price bid declaration for November 25, the Letter of Award for December 2 and contract signing for December 23.

The tender document fee is Rs. 11,800, including GST. Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs. 0.1 mn, while the successful consultant must provide a Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs. 0.25 mn within 20 days of the work order. The guarantee will remain valid for 12 months, with a further six-month claim period, and proposals must remain valid for 180 days from the submission deadline.