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The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has invited electronic tenders for a major renewable energy project under the Sagarmala programme, marking an important step towards clean and reliable power at the port. The project involves setting up an integrated 8 MW wind power plant along with a 5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Once completed, the system will be connected to the port’s existing power grid and supported by a centralized real-time monitoring and analytics dashboard to track performance and energy use.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 80.38 crore, excluding GST. Interested bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs. 1.60 crore. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) can claim exemption from the EMD if they provide a valid certification, while other bidders must submit the amount through approved online payment modes or acceptable instruments such as Insurance Surety Bonds or Bank Guarantees.
To be eligible, bidders must meet certain financial and technical criteria. Financially, they should have an average annual turnover of at least 30% of the estimated project cost during the last three financial years. From an experience perspective, bidders must have completed similar projects in the last seven years. This includes either one project valued at not less than 80% of the estimated cost, two projects each valued at 50%, or three projects each valued at 40%. In addition, bidders must have specific experience in installing wind turbines with a capacity of 900 kW or more and battery energy storage systems of at least 1 MW capacity.
As the project site is located close to an airport, strict height restrictions apply. The wind turbine generators proposed under the project must have a hub height of less than 90 metres above ground level. This requirement is in line with the safety norms set by the Airports Authority of India and must be strictly followed by all bidders.
The tender download period begins on January 31, 2026, and will remain open until February 23, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Bidders can seek clarifications between February 2 and February 9, 2026, up to 11:00 am. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 3:30 pm to address queries and provide further details. The last date for bid submission is February 23, 2026, at 3:00 pm, and the bids will be opened on February 24, 2026, at 3:30 pm.
The contract includes a 13-month period for supply and installation, followed by two years of free comprehensive operation and maintenance during the guarantee period. The bids will remain valid for 120 days from the date of opening, and all submissions must be made online through the Central Public Procurement Portal.
