Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has invited a global Expression of Interest (EoI) for the empanelment of consultants for projects involving 1.25 GW solar cell and module manufacturing, 100 MW green data centres, assembly, testing, marking and packaging semiconductor plants, rare earth permanent magnet plants, and satellite manufacturing and testing. The proposed solar manufacturing facilities will be spread across four discrete locations totalling 5 GW capacity, with a technical scope covering comprehensive conversion from raw silicon wafer to finished TOPCon solar cells and high-efficiency photovoltaic modules. The green data centres will be developed across 10 discrete locations totalling 1 GW capacity, either as standalone hyperscale data centres or within existing switchyards of various state governments. The satellite manufacturing and testing facilities, planned at two locations, will establish highly controlled design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing centres for satellites. The semiconductor plants, also proposed at two locations, will convert raw wafers into customised integrated circuits and chips, while the rare earth permanent magnet plants, planned at two targeted locations, will produce 1,200 metric tonnes per annum of sintered rare earth permanent magnets for applications including electric vehicles, defence and aerospace. The bid submission deadline is October 21, 2026.
According to the tender guidelines, the scope of services is divided into three phases. Phase I covers project structuring, feasibility studies and preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), including business planning, site assessments, conceptual engineering, financial modelling and documentation. Phase II involves commercial advisory and bid management, including preparation of tender and contractual documents, detailed designs, management of the bidding process, and technical and financial evaluation of bids. Phase III covers project management consultancy (PMC) during construction, including monitoring project progress, reviewing and vetting engineering designs and technical submissions, and providing ongoing advisory support to CEL.
Furthermore, the eligibility criteria require Indian bidders to be registered entities and to have provided comprehensive consultancy services, including DPRs, requests for proposals and PMC, for at least two turnkey projects in sectors aligned with CEL’s proposed projects, in the last five years. The bidders must also not have been blacklisted or debarred by any government agency, public sector undertaking or state agency during the preceding three years. Foreign bidders must be registered companies in their country of operation and have provided similar consultancy services for at least two turnkey projects in the past five years. They must also register as a legal entity in India and become eligible to carry out business within three months of signing an MoU with CEL.
