The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced a call for bids for the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of a 12 MW solar power project at Phey, Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The deadline for bid submission is August 16, 2024. This project encompasses comprehensive O&M for five years post-commissioning, which includes the supply and storage of all mandatory spare parts and consumables, as well as the repair or replacement of any defective equipment. Bidders are required to pay a tender processing fee of Rs 25,000 and an earnest money deposit of Rs 17.8 million. Additionally, the modules utilised in this project must be sourced exclusively from the models and manufacturers listed in List-I (Solar PV Modules) of the ALMM Order. Bidders can qualify through two routes. Route I requires experience in the EPC execution of ground-mounted solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 6 MW in the last seven years, with these projects being operational for at least six months before bid submission. Additionally, bidders must have EPC experience with at least two grid-connected solar projects, each with a capacity of 1.2 MW or more, also operational for at least six months before bid submission. Route II requires experience as a developer of ground-mounted solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 6 MW in the last seven years, operational for at least six months before bid submission, and experience with at least two grid-connected solar projects of 1.2 MW or more each, operational for at least six months before bid submission. Financially, bidders must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 355.9 million over the last three financial years, and their net worth for the last financial year should be positive. Bidders should also have a minimum working capital of Rs111.2 million as per the last audited financial statement. If the working capital is inadequate, a letter from the bidder?s bank confirming the availability of a line of credit for Rs111.2 million or more is required. Bidders are encouraged to visit the proposed site to assess the actual conditions and review the plans and drawings related to the current scope of work, including the power evacuation system and ground-mounted project capacities, before attending the pre-bid meeting. In addition to this solar project, SECI has recently invited bids to select green hydrogen producers to set up production facilities for green hydrogen in India under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Program (Mode-1-Tranche-II). (Source:Mercom)