In Short : POWERGRID has invited bids for a solar-powered green hydrogen and microgrid pilot project in Rajasthan at the Neemrana substation. It includes a 1,500 kW solar PV system, hydrogen production, storage facilities, and a fuel cell. The project emphasizes sustainable energy goals, with a December 28 bid deadline and a 10-year operation plan.
In Detail : Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (Powergrid) has issued an invitation for bids to establish a solar-powered green hydrogen plant and fuel cell-based microgrid system at its 400/220 kV Neemrana substation in Rajasthan. The last date for submitting bids is December 28, 2024. The selected developer will also be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the plant and microgrid system for a period of ten years.
According to the tender guidelines, the bidders are required to submit a bid document fee of Rs 25,000 and provide bank security amounting to 110 per cent of the advance received within 28 days of the award. The project, which includes a 1,500 kW solar system, green hydrogen production and storage facilities, a fuel cell, and integration with the auxiliary load, must be completed within 12 months.
The scope of the project includes the design, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, packing, supply, transport, freight, insurance, handling, unloading, construction, erection, installation, integration, commissioning, testing, and provision of mandatory spares. It also requires obtaining statutory approvals and preparing all necessary drawings and documents. In addition, the project must be equipped to accommodate a hydrogen refueling station for potential future expansion. Space utilisation, plant layout, and the associated balance of plant should be designed accordingly. Only mono-crystalline half-cut solar modules with a minimum capacity of 545 Wp, listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, are to be used in the project.
In November 2024, Powergrid, along with Dineshchandra R. Agarwal Infracon Limited, were awarded REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited’s transmission project to evacuate 3.5 GW of renewable energy from Rajasthan’s renewable energy zone, with Powergrid securing Part A of the project under tariff-based competitive bidding on a build-own-operate-transfer basis.
