The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued an international tender for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a 1 MW solar-plus-storage minigrid in Papua New Guinea’s Central province. The project, which is part of the Energy Utility Performance and Reliability Improvement Project (EUPRIP), is funded by the ADB and the Government of Australia.
Papua New Guinea minigrid tender specifications
The tender calls for the development of a 1 MW solar-plus-storage minigrid that includes a 1 MW ground-mounted solar array, a 2 MW/2.5 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS), and a 1 MVA 22 kV/400 V distribution transformer. The project will also feature a SCADA-based microgrid control system designed to operate seamlessly in both grid-connected and islanded modes, and a 22 kV distribution network with an overhead line exceeding 10 km in length.
The selected bidder will not only be responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the minigrid components but will also handle testing, commissioning, and a one-year operations and maintenance contract. This project is expected to significantly enhance the electricity supply in the district and reduce reliance on diesel generators.
For more insights into similar projects, check out Aptech Installs 124kWp Mini-Grids in Guinea where mini-grids have been effectively implemented to improve energy access.
Papua New Guinea minigrid eligibility and funding details
To qualify for the tender, bidders must demonstrate a proven track record in similar projects. They should have successfully completed at least two contracts within the last five years, each valued at a minimum of $3.4 million and involving the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of solar PV systems and BESS. Additionally, bidders must have an average annual construction turnover of at least $8.5 million within the same period.
The project is part of the broader Energy Utility Performance and Reliability Improvement Project (EUPRIP), supported by a $75 million loan from the ADB and a $10 million grant from the Government of Australia. The total project cost is approximately $147.71 million, with the Papua New Guinea government contributing around $62.71 million.
For more information on solar developments in the region, refer to Papua New Guinea Solar News Archives.
Papua New Guinea minigrid submission deadline
Interested parties can obtain the bidding documents from the ADB website or the National Procurement Commission (NPC) in Port Moresby. Queries regarding the procurement can be directed to the NPC team leader at [email protected]. The deadline for bid submissions is 1:00 p.m. (local time) on June 19, 2024.
