GRIDCO Limited, Odisha’s renewable energy nodal agency under the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint an experienced consultant for conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed 225 MW Upper Indravati Floating Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project. The project, including its associated power evacuation infrastructure and transmission lines, is located across the Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts of Odisha.
The consultancy assignment aims to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed floating solar and battery storage development. The assessment will follow applicable Indian regulations, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards 2012, and the World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines. The selected consultant will be responsible for undertaking detailed technical, physical, biological, and socio-economic assessments to identify potential risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
The scope of work includes evaluating the project footprint over the Indravati reservoir and examining its potential effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and surrounding communities. The consultant will also conduct a Critical Habitat Assessment to identify ecologically sensitive areas that may require special protection. Hydrodynamic water quality modelling and oil spill modelling for synthetic transformer oils will be undertaken to assess potential environmental risks associated with project operations.
Battery energy storage safety will be another important component of the assignment. The consultant will evaluate risks associated with fire incidents, thermal runaway, hazardous waste management, and other potential environmental and operational hazards linked to BESS installations. A Climate Change Risk Assessment will also be prepared to examine the project’s vulnerability to climate-related risks and identify suitable adaptation measures.
In addition to the technical assessments, the selected consultant will prepare several environmental and social management documents. These will include an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP), and Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP). These plans are intended to establish appropriate procedures for managing environmental impacts, engaging affected stakeholders, addressing livelihood-related concerns, and protecting vulnerable communities.
GRIDCO issued the RFP document on October 16, 2026. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the GRIDCO Conference Hall, with video conferencing facilities also available. Responses to queries and the publication of any corrigendum are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The last date for online bid submission is November 17, 2026, until 3:00 PM, while techno-commercial bids will be opened at 5:00 PM on the same day. Technical proposal evaluation and declaration of qualified bidders are scheduled for November 20, followed by price bid declaration on November 25. GRIDCO plans to issue the Letter of Award on December 2 and sign the contract agreement on December 23, 2026.
The tender document costs ₹10,000 plus 18% GST, bringing the total fee to ₹11,800. Bidders must furnish an Earnest Money Deposit of ₹1 lakh, while the selected consultant will be required to submit a Performance Bank Guarantee of ₹2.5 lakh within 20 days of the work order. The guarantee must remain valid for 12 months, with an additional six-month claim period. Proposals must remain valid for at least 180 days from the submission deadline.
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