Jharkhand: Oriana Power Wins 234 MW Floating Solar EPC Contract at DVC’s Maithon Dam

Oriana Power Limited has received Purchase Orders (POs) from a renewable energy developer for the setting up of a 234 MW Grid-Tied Floating Solar PV (FSPV) plant at the Maithon Dam Reservoir of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in the state of Jharkhand.

In a regulatory filing, Oriana Power spoke about undertaking the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 234 MW grid-interactive solar PV power project at the DVC Maithon Dam Reservoir in Jharkhand. The project was tendered out in December 2024.

The scope of work includes undertaking design and engineering; procurement and supply of plant and equipment with mandatory spare parts; transportation, insurance, unloading, and storage; execution of civil and electrical works; erection, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar PV plant, along with comprehensive operation and maintenance.

Scope of Work

The scope of work broadly includes comprehensive operation and maintenance, with the total price of the contract estimated at around Rs 1,180.53 crore (inclusive of GST), comprising three individual contracts for the supply of plant and equipment, EPC services, and long-term operation and maintenance.

This project is one of the largest floating solar projects in the country and represents a significant milestone for the company, further strengthening its presence in the large-scale renewable energy EPC sector. The projects are scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

About the Tender

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) issued the 234 MW grid-tied floating solar PV (FSPV) tender in December. This project is located on DVC’s Maithon Dam Reservoir at Maithon, Jharkhand. The project includes 10 years of comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M).

The DVC tender has allotted 18 months to complete the project (i.e., 547 days) from the date of placement of the Letter of Award (LOA) (i.e., Zero Date).

Case of Failed Floating Solar Projects in Jharkhand

Jharkhand, despite an avowed focus on floating solar, has struggled to get projects underway, with a notable delay in moving forward with plans for a 100 MW floating solar project on the Getalsud Dam. The project was eventually awarded to L&T in March 2024, but has made little progress to date.

Similarly, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), after extending the bid submission deadline for bidders to respond, cancelled its 100 MW Getalsud Dam project near Ranchi in Jharkhand two months later. The cancellation follows a familiar pattern of challenges faced by floating solar tenders in India.