EESL issue transmission tender to support solar in Maharashtra

The Ministry of Power and the government of India's joint venture, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL), has launched an invitation for bids for power evacuation bays and transmission lines for 300 MW of solar projects in Maharashtra. Applicants must meet financial requirements, including having an average minimum turnover of between INR4.4m ($60,457) and INR11.4m over the past three years. India's poor transmission and distribution systems have been a concern for renewable companies.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has floated an invitation for bids (IFB) to construct power evacuation bays and transmission lines for nearly 300 MW of solar projects in the state of Maharashtra.

EESL is a joint venture of the public-sector units of the Ministry of Power and the Government of India.

The scope of work involves liaison for land acquisition, including getting necessary clearance and site surveys. Both EESL and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) will assist in the liaison work. The work would also include planning, design, engineering, installation, testing, and commissioning of the new 11kV/22kV power evacuation bays and overhead lines.

The last date for submission of bids is March 11, 2020. A pre-bid meeting will be held on March 3, 2020, the tender document added.

To be eligible for the competitive bidding process, applicants must have a minimum average annual turnover ranging between ₹4.4 million (~$61,293) and ₹11.4 million (~$158,805) depending on the location chosen in the last three financial years.

The bidder should also not have suffered any financial loss in at least two of the preceding three financial years, and their net worth must not be less than 100% of the paid-up share capital.