The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has opened an international tender to design, supply, install, and commission a 1 MW solar-plus-storage minigrid in Papua New Guinea’s Central province. The initiative is part of the broader Energy Utility Performance and Reliability Improvement Project (EUPRIP) and is funded by the ADB and the Government of Australia.
Papua New Guinea minigrid tender specifications
The tender calls for 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 also requires a SCADA-based microgrid control system for seamless operation in both grid-connected and islanded modes, alongside a 22 kV distribution network with an overhead line exceeding 10 km in length.
The winning bidder will be responsible for designing, supplying, and installing the minigrid components, as well as handling testing, commissioning, and a one-year operations and maintenance contract. The project is expected to significantly enhance the electricity supply in the district and reduce reliance on diesel generators.
For a look at how mini-grids are improving energy access elsewhere, see Aptech Installs 124kWp Mini-Grids in Guinea.
Papua New Guinea minigrid eligibility and funding details
To qualify, bidders must have a proven track record, including the successful completion of at least two contracts within the last five years. Each of these must be valued at a minimum of $3.4 million and involve the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of solar PV systems and BESS. Bidders must also show an average annual construction turnover of at least $8.5 million for the same period.
The minigrid is part of the broader Energy Utility Performance and Reliability Improvement Project (EUPRIP), which is 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 Government of Papua New Guinea contributing about $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 bidding documents from the ADB website or the National Procurement Commission (NPC) in Port Moresby. Questions about 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.
