Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

TCIL Seeks Consortium Partner Through EoI for 120 MW Solar Project in Bhutan

Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to identify a consortium partner for the implementation of a 120 MW solar power project at Wobthang in Bhutan.

Interested bidders must submit their EoIs by January 30, 2026. The bids will be opened on the same day. As part of the submission requirements, bidders are required to provide an earnest money deposit of Rs 10 million along with a tender fee of Rs 11,800. The selected bidder will be required to furnish a performance security equivalent to 10 percent of the contract value.

The scope of work covers the complete execution of the project, including design, engineering, supply, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the solar power plant.

To qualify, bidders must have executed similar solar projects with a participation value exceeding USD 49 million during the past five years. Additionally, bidders should demonstrate cumulative experience of at least 90 MW in the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of solar PV projects, covering key components such as modules, inverters, mounting structures, and SCADA or grid connectivity systems.

Financial eligibility criteria require bidders to have an average annual turnover of no less than USD 15.5 million over the last five financial years, a positive net worth during the same period, and profit before tax in at least two of the last three financial years. Bidders must also demonstrate available financial resources of at least USD 3 million.

Consortium bids are permitted with a maximum of two members. The lead partner must meet the full technical experience requirements and account for at least 25 percent of the stipulated turnover criteria.

Liquidated damages for delays in project execution have been capped at 12 percent of the contract value, with performance-related penalties included within the same limit.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently evaluating lending support for the 120 MW Wobthang solar project, along with two additional solar projects in Bhutan—40 MW in Bumthang and 170 MW in Lhuntse. The estimated cost of the Wobthang project is approximately USD 62 million.

Separately, TCIL had invited EoIs in February 2025 for a 120 MW ground-mounted solar project in Jamjee, Mewang Gewog, Thimphu, under a tender issued by Druk Green Power Corporation. Construction for that project has been awarded to the HILD–Rigsar consortium under an EPC contract signed on July 15, 2025. The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months and is expected to generate around 197 GWh of clean electricity annually.

That project carries an estimated cost of Nu 4,703 million (around USD 56 million), with 50 percent financing provided by the European Investment Bank through a concessional loan under the Hydro and Solar Energy Facility, and the remaining portion funded by Druk Green Power Corporation.