GMIDC Tenders 150 MW Floating Solar Plus 150 MWh Battery Storage Project in Maharashtra

The Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of a 150 MW floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) project integrated with a battery energy storage system (BESS). The project is sited on the reservoir surface of the Mula Major Dam in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra. Interested developers are mandated to submit bid proposals by the established deadline of September 10, 2026.

Project Technical Specifications

The infrastructure project at Mula Major Dam comprises the following technical parameters:

• Solar Capacity: 150 MW Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) arrays.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Minimum capacity of 75 MW / 150 MWh, providing a critical 2-hour discharge capability for grid stability.
• Location Details: Reservoir surface of Mula Major Dam, Taluka Rahuri, District Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
• Operational Goal: The BESS is required to function as a high-capacity buffer to absorb solar generation spikes during peak daylight hours and discharge energy to meet evening peak demand.

Infrastructure and Environmental Context

The utilization of the Mula Major Dam for floating solar infrastructure is subject to the following technical and regulatory frameworks:

• Land Management: Utilization of government-owned water surfaces bypasses private land acquisition hurdles and right-of-way disputes associated with utility-scale ground-mounted projects.
• Water Conservation: Solar panel coverage and floating structures act as a physical shield, reducing reservoir evaporation rates and preserving water for municipal and agricultural use.
• Technical Synergy: The water body serves as a natural heat sink; the resulting evaporative cooling effect maintains lower module temperatures, enhancing photovoltaic efficiency compared to ground-mounted systems.
• Environmental Impact: Limiting sunlight penetration into the water column is expected to reduce algal blooms, potentially improving water quality for irrigation infrastructure.
• Regulatory Compliance: Project execution must adhere to the Dam Safety Act, 2021, with technical oversight provided by the Central Water Commission (CWC) regarding structural compliance and reservoir safety.

Tender and Bidding Mechanics

The administrative and financial requirements for the GMIDC procurement process are categorized as follows:

• Development Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) covering design, engineering, financing, construction, and long-term Operations and Maintenance (O&M).
• Financial Metadata: Bidders must pay a tender document fee of INR 11,800 and a processing fee of INR 500.
• Submission Deadline: September 10, 2026.
• Concessionaire Responsibilities: The successful bidder is mandated to execute bathymetric surveys of the reservoir floor, design anchoring and mooring systems, and procure specialized floating structures and battery hardware.
• Official Portals: Bidding is conducted via the Maharashtra Government e-Procurement system (Mahatenders).

Broader Regional Floating Solar Pipeline

The Mula Major Dam project is part of a coordinated pipeline of floating solar and energy storage assets currently under tender in Maharashtra:

• Mukane Reservoir (Nashik): 85 MW FSPV + BESS | Bids due September 28, 2026.
• Upper Penganga Project (Yavatmal): 170 MW FSPV + BESS | Bids due September 30, 2026.
• Manjara Dam (Latur): 115 MW FSPV + BESS | Bids due September 30, 2026.
• Tansa and Modak Sagar Dams (Mumbai): 100 MW Grid-Connected FSPV | Bids due September 28, 2026 | EMD: INR 5.46 Cr.
• Ekrukh Reservoir (Solapur): EOI issued for integrated FSPV, BESS, and sustainable fisheries management.

The immediate next step in the procurement process is the closure of the bid submission window for the Mula Major Dam project on September 10, 2026.

Here are the official portals and tender access links for the GMIDC 150 MW Floating Solar + 150 MWh Battery Storage Project at Mula Dam:

• Official State e-Procurement Gateway (Bidding & Submissions): Bidders can access, download the official tender schedule, and submit bids through the Government of Maharashtra e-Procurement System (Mahatenders). To locate the tender, search under the Water Resources Department using the keywords “Mula Dam” or “Floating Solar”.
• Official Executing Authority Website: Departmental guidelines and official authority updates are available on the Water Resources Department (WRD), Government of Maharashtra Website.
• Direct Tender Information Listing: For a direct link to the specific tender schedule and requirements overview, you can reference the Mula Dam 150 MW Floating Solar + BESS Tender Details on Tender247.