THDC India has issued a request for proposals to set up 600 to 2,000 MW on stream or off-stream pumped storage projects (PSPs). To be developed on the basis of engineering, procurement, and construction model across various states of India, the projects will involve comprehensive operations and maintenance for a period of 15 years.
The tasks involved encompass site selection, conducting comprehensive studies and investigations, and preparing both preliminary feasibility reports and detailed project reports (DPR). The work also entail securing necessary regulatory approvals, establishing connections to the grid, and ensuring the efficient evacuation of power up to the pooling point. Furthermore, fundamental and comprehensive engineering, preparation of drawings, and obtaining approval, all guided by a design lifespan of 40 years with daily storage lasting 6 hours are also included in the work scope. The bidders are required to submit Rs 100 million as an earnest money deposit. The bidders can propose a minimum and maximum bid size of 600 MW and 2,000 MW, respectively. The bid submission deadline is May 13, 2024.
The projects are anticipated to be operational within five years from the issuance of the letter of award. This timeframe encompasses around 1.5 to 2 years for activities such as DPR preparation, land acquisition, studies, and comprehensive engineering. The projected duration for construction is estimated to be between 3 to 3.5 years.
Furthermore, the bidders have the option to qualify through one of three routes: Route 1 necessitates that the bidder be a developer of hydroelectric power plants or PSPs, with a combined minimum installed capacity of 200 MW. This must include minimum one project with a capacity of at least 50 MW, which should have been commissioned prior to the bid submission deadline. Route 2 requires that the bidder has provided, installed, and overseen designated electro-mechanical components for a hydroelectric or PSP within the past ten years. Route 3 stipulates that the bidder has either directly undertaken or had subcontractors carry out particular civil works for projects of this nature or other infrastructure projects within the past ten financial years.
