Background

In India, a major portion of electricity generation is based on the coal. With the domestic shortage of coal supply, import of coal in India has increased significantly. Since electricity is a major source of energy for Indian Railways, in order to reduce its consumption, alternative sources must be identified. Hence, in order to become self-sufficient in its energy needs, Indian Railways needs to exploit the renewable energy sector in a big way for at least its non-traction part. Part of the annual need could be met through renewable energy sources alone in the form of solar power (SPV). Ministry of Railways in partnership with UNDP has developed a concept for Global Environment Facility funding.

The proposed project will support Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways for setting up solar power plants on the wasteland (empty yards, alongside Railway Tracks where feasible based on assessments) and rooftops (Railway Platform, buildings) owned by Indian Railways. The energy generated through solar (PV) will be used for its non-traction operations like workshops, service buildings, stations etc.

The project would involve finalizing the modalities for Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP), building capacity of Railway officials and other key stakeholders through trainings, workshops etc. This component focusses on mitigating perceived risks, explore different options available for financing large size solar power projects and identify rights options which can make power generation more attractive on sites being offered by Indian Railways.

Starting with 75 MW this project would be scaled up to  5 GW of investments projects through private sector engagement. This would involve activities to demonstrate and validate a pilot line of credit and explore concessional loan mechanism, routed through national banks by closely involving REMC and IREDA. This component will develop an optimal mix of public policy and financial instruments that will strengthen the capacity of the IR to attract, engage with and scale up private sector financing in solar power and indirectly contribute to scaling up investment in the sector by changing the risk/reward perception of investors and solar developers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent drafting, documentation and communication skills in English;
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV installations, government policies on solar, procurement modalities and application in Indian Railways;
• Proven record on similar documentation work with Ministry of Railways.

Corporate Competencies:

• Promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity;
• Support creativity and innovation;
• Help create an enabling environment for open communication;
• Share knowledge and support a culture of learning;
• Demonstrate fairness and transparency.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Experience:

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in the field of renewable energy;
• At least 10 years of experience with Solar Energy sector on policies, project development and client interaction.
• Should have experience of working with Indian Railways on deployment of solar energy. Particularly on policies, regulations and Power Purchase Agreements specific to the requirements of the Indian Railways.

Language:

• An excellent command of English is required.

Documents to be submitted:

• Detailed CV with contact details of three references;
• Financial proposal specifying per day consultancy fee. Prior approved travel expenses will be reimbursed as per actuals in line with UNDP rules or would be arranged by UNDP.

Duration:

• Contract for six months with maximum of 20 working days:
• Payment will be based on number days worked at the established daily rate. The total amount will not exceed the value of the contract unless amended.
• The assignment is expected to commence within a week after the signing of the contract to the successful bidder.
• Type of assignment and number of working days will be decided every month with the supervisor in advance.

Cumulative analysis:

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive and having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation:

• Technical Criteria weight - 70%;
• Financial Criteria weight - 30%.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Relevant Experience:50 Marks;
• Qualification: 20 Marks.

Notes:

• Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone etc. would not be reimbursed; Tickets will be issued considering the most direct and economical option and Consultants are not eligible for DSA;
• Payment will be based on number days worked at the established daily rate. The total amount will not exceed the value of the contract unless amended;
• The assignment is expected to commence within a week after the signing of the contract to the successful bidder;
• Type of assignment and number of working days will be decided every month with the supervisor in advance;
• Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract shall be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual;
• Please note proposals without financial proposal will not be considered;
• CV and Financial proposal have to be  clubbed in one file for uploading. Complete Proposal has to be sent online only;
• The consultants must bring his/her own computing equipment.