TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Odisha government, has invited bids for the installation and commissioning of 180 MW of solar power projects for the solarisation of 40,000 agricultural pumps across the state. The projects will be carried out in accordance with Component C of the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Uria Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) programme. The bid submission deadline is October 31, 2022.
As per the tender guidelines, an earnest money deposit of Rs 1 million must be submitted by bidders. The project must be completed within 20 months from the issue of the empanelment letter or 24 months from the sanction order from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to the distribution company, whichever is earlier. Furthermore, the bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 10 million in any one of the previous three fiscal years in order to meet the financial eligibility requirements. The winning bidder will also be responsible for five years of project operation and maintenance. By 2022, the government is expected to solarise 1.5 million grid-connected agriculture pumps with a maximum HP capacity of 7.5 under Component C of the KUSUM initiative.
In August 2022, Greenko Group and Hindalco Industries agreed to establish a green energy project in Odisha with a capacity of 375 MW to 400 MW. Both companies have entered into a commercial agreement to establish a renewable energy project to supply 100 MW of carbon free power around the clock. The project would include wind and solar capacity and will provide power to Hindalco’s aluminium smelter in Odisha.
