DRDO Seeks EoI To Develop 5 MW Solar-BESS Project Tender in Odisha Under RESCO Mode

With the growing role of solar plus battery energy storage (BESS) projects in delivering solar power for longer durations, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)  laboratory, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), has sought an Expression of Interest (EoI) from any Indian company/their consortium/affiliate/representative to develop a 5 MW ground-mounted grid-connected solar plant.  The plant is proposed to be developed with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode, seeking bids by 30 January 2026.

PXE has sought bids from bidders with prior experience in developing grid-connected solar power projects of at least 25 MW, out of which at least one project should have a minimum capacity of 5 MW at a single location, executed under RESCO/BOOT/PPP mode.

The applicant should have experience in successful Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of a grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project of 5 MW capacity or above under a single contract, for a period of at least six months, ending on the last date of the month before the original submission date of this EoI.

This is subject to the tariff approved by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). This project aims to assist in the execution of the PPA between the SPD and the concerned State Electricity Utility / Distribution Company (DISCOM). 

Scope of Work

PXE intends to invite EoIs from developers for the selection of a Solar Power Developer (SPD) for the development of a 5 MW solar project at Chandipur, Odisha, along with operation and maintenance for 25 years under RESCO mode. The 5 MW solar plant will be developed at a single location in the Chandipur area of Balasore district, Odisha.

The bidder is also required to submit documentary evidence of meeting performance generation guarantees for at least one solar PV power plant (not less than 5 MW), duly certified by the developer or the power off-taker of that project.

The plant will be developed at Chandipur, Balasore district, Odisha, on approximately 25 acres of land. It is located near airports such as Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Balasore Railway Station, Odisha, and the site is located near National Highway 16 (NH-16).