PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 30 MW SOLAR POWER PLANT WITH STORAGE in MPANGA SECTOR, KIREHE DISTRICT IN EASTERN PROVINCE

Kigali, on …….../…….../2024

Project: DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING, AND COMMISSIONING OF A 30 MW SOLAR POWER PLANT AT MPANGA SECTOR IN KIREHE DISTRICT

Client: Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL)

1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Government of Rwanda, through its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2: 2024-2029), aims to drive significant economic growth, improve livelihoods, and achieve the mid-term goals of Vision 2050. One of the core objectives is to ensure universal access to affordable, clean, and renewable energy as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal article 7. NST2 emphasizes to; include transition to renewable energy, support productive uses, enhance agriculture while also ensuring climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

In alignment with this strategy, Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), a subsidiary of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) invites qualified bidders to submit Proposals for the Design, Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of a 30 MW Solar Power Plant at Mpanga in Kirehe District. This project is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s goal of achieving universal electricity access, while also promoting clean energy solutions for productive uses including irrigation schemes as well as ensuring long-term grid stability.

2. PROJECT FINANCING

Two financing mechanisms are envisaged:

• Pre-financing: interested party shall share terms and conditions under arrangement, share potential lenders and their financing terms,
• Power Purchase Agreement: under this arrangement, interested parties shall elaborate their financing schemes, experience constructing and managing power plants,

3. OBJECTIVE

The project’s broad objective is to engage qualified contractor with strong experience in Design, Supply, Installation, operation, and maintenance of a 30 MW Solar Power Plant mentioned above. Consequently, interested bidders are invited to submit their applications.

4. DURATION

The duration of the assignment shall be 36 months including 12 months for operation and maintenance.

5. SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The selected bidder will be responsible for Design, Supply, Installation, operation, and maintenance of a 30 MW Solar Power Plant with battery storage back up time. It will be designed to put into consideration future grid integration and scalability based on demand. The system will support productive uses and contribute to the national grid stability. It will be monitored through the national control center / SCADA system.

The power plant shall be comprised but not limited to the following main components:

PV array, PV mounting structure, PV combiner boxes, Tracking system for solar irradiation, Inverters, Storage System, Battery Cabinet/Housing (Charger, Batteries, switch, fan,…), Electrical infrastructure (cabling, transformers, switchgear, etc.), Control and monitoring systems including SCADA system, Safety systems (fire protection, fencing, security), Solar PV-outdoor live weather station (Anemometer, humidity, air temperature, irradiation”GHI, DHI, DNI”, TMY, etc…) for optimization of the PV panel with data storage system, PV-Solar protection (Lightning protection, …)

6. SITE DESCRIPTION

The following information provides the site description:

Site location:

District: Kirehe, Sector: Mpanga, Cell: To be identified, Village: To be identified, GPS coordinates: To be identified, Grid Availability: part of scope of work, Access Road: part of scope of work

7. SELECTION PROCESS

The initial selection will be conducted through pre-qualification procedures specified in Law No31/2022 of 21/11/2022 governing the public procurement and the related Ministerial Order and the competition is open to all potential bidders.

The selection shall be based on the following criteria:

• General experience:

The bidder should have at least ten (10) years in the field for design and construction of complex electrical systems.

• Specific experience:

Interested bidders should have successfully completed at least three (3) projects for Design, Supplying and construction of solar power plant with 30 MW or greater. Those projects should have been completed within the last 10 years (from 2014). Supplied solar system equipment to REG/EDCL tenders will be an added value.

• Proposed Methodology:

The bidder shall propose a thorough methodology detailing their preferred project implementation based on EPC plus Finance or Independent Power Producer model.

The methodology shall include but not be limited to the following points:

Technical assessment (studies and Designs), Strategies during development and implementation covering all phases of the project implementation (including implementation Schedule), Strategies for operation and management of the solar Power Plant Project; Financing model, High quality solar equipment complying with Rwanda and International standards, Integrating solar production to the existing grid and Capacity Building and Training Plan for EDCL Staff and Plant Operators.

Note:

At this first stage of the tendering process, the Procuring Entity shall select from the initial bids the best feasible proposal (whether PPA/turnkey or Pre-Financing) prepared by potential candidates based on the criteria mentioned above or any additional criteria of which the applicant may consider as important to achieve the PE’s objective. Following the selection process the Procuring Entity shall organize the conference for discussion with the applicants that submitted the responsive bids. This will be done in order to gather accurate information for preparation of Tender Document/Request for Proposal that will be issued to the shortlisted companies.

8. SUBMISSION PROCESS

The applications/initial bids must be submitted in written form (electronically) addressed to the Managing Director of the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) through the e-mails: procurement@edcl.reg.rw with copy to erukinirwa@edcl.reg.rw not later than 06/12/2024 at 5:00pm Kigali time (GMT +2).

Sincerely,

Gentile UMUSHASHI

Head Procurement Management Services

Félix GAKUBA

Managing Director