Official Tender Announcement
The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has announced a major renewable energy tender (Bid Number: GEM/2025/B/6136270) for the development of a 6 MW floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. The installation is slated for Ambalamedu Lake, situated within the FACT Cochin Division (CD) in Kochi, Kerala. This initiative underscores FACT’s commitment to sustainable energy transition by utilizing existing water bodies for high-efficiency power generation.
Project Specifications and Site Context
The project is categorized as an “Engineering service for a 6 MW solar plant” and is designed to optimize the surface area of Ambalamedu Lake. Beyond land preservation, the floating configuration is expected to achieve higher performance ratios by utilizing the natural cooling effects of the water body to maintain lower PV cell temperatures.
Core Project Parameters
- Bid Number: GEM/2025/B/6136270
- Total Capacity: 6 MW
- Installation Type: Floating Solar PV
- Water Body: Ambalamedu Lake
- Executing Entity: FACT Cochin Division
- Site Location: Ambalamedu – 682 303, Kochi, Kerala
Operational Model: The BOOT Framework
The project will be developed under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. Under this framework, the selected developer will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of the plant—including design, engineering, and operation—supplying power to FACT for a contracted 25-year term.
BOOT Model Definition: The primary distinction of the BOOT model compared to a standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is the eventual transfer of the asset. While a PPA focuses on the sale of electricity, the BOOT framework mandates that ownership of the physical solar infrastructure is transferred to the consumer (FACT) at the conclusion of the contract term.
Financial and Regulatory Compliance
Bidders must satisfy rigorous financial and technical criteria. A significant financial incentive for this tender is the availability of a 100% Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST, which provides substantial fiscal relief for the developer’s capital expenditure.
Financial Security and Deposits
- Security Deposit (SD): The successful bidder must remit a Security Deposit of 10% of the total Work Order value within 15 days of the order issuance.
- Remittance Method: For amounts exceeding Rs. 10,000, FACT requires a Bank Guarantee, with a strong preference for Electronic Bank Guarantees (E-BG) from a Nationalized or Scheduled Bank in India.
Regulatory Mandates
- Make in India (MII): In alignment with the 2017 Order, preference is given to Class 1 local suppliers. Bidders must certify a minimum of 50% local content.
- MSE Preference: Purchase preference will be granted to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) as per the 2012 Policy, provided they are the direct service providers.
- Land Border Clause: Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority to be eligible for participation.
Bidding Timeline and Contract Duration
Bidders are advised of the distinct timelines regarding project execution and power supply. While the engineering service and installation phase (the initial “Contract Period”) is designated as 1 month, the operational power supply agreement extends for 25 years.
- Bid Opening Date: July 13, 2026
- Bid Offer Validity: 180 days from the bid end date
- Technical Clarifications: A 2-day window will be provided during the technical evaluation phase for any necessary bidder responses.
- TENDER PORTAL: https://fact.co.in/home/Dynamicpages?MenuId=8; https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app
Official Contact Information
For technical inquiries, site visit coordination, or documentation regarding security deposit remittances, please contact the FACT Cochin Division:
Address: FACT Cochin Division Ambalamedu – 682 303 Kochi, Kerala
Phone: 0484-2723244 Email: smpandpcd@factltd.com
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