The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has issued an open call for bids and proposals from the private sector for the construction of a 600 MW solar project at Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh. This is a significant step towards a greener Pakistan and to ensure that the general public has access to clean, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The project would be built on a build-own-operate-and-transfer (BOOT) basis with a 25-year concession period.

Request for Proposal can be acquired from the AEDB office or online on payment of $200 registration fee and $2500 for the RFP document on or before March 10. The payment may be made directly into AEDB bank accounts in dollars or equivalent Pakistani rupees, or it could be done by demand draft or pay order in the name of the Alternative Energy Fund. The selected bidder would be the one who submitted the lowest tariff/maximum discount. This bidder would then be expected to meet the financial close and commercial operation dates set out in the RFP and project assignments. The electronic offers would not be considered.

Interested parties are required to submit complete proposals in line with the RFP, together with the required bid processing fee and bid bond. Only registered and authorised bidders are permitted to make a bid or proposal for the project. It is important to note that the government has approved a framework and guidelines that envision the development of large utility-scale solar photovoltaic projects on a fast-track basis at the designated sites through private sector investment, in accordance with its policy objectives of energy security, environmental protection, affordability of electricity, and sustainable development.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk