CEL To Develop 4.125 MW On-Campus Solar Power Plant At IIT Kharagpur In West Bengal
Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a prominent public sector enterprise in India, has announced an ambitious solar power project at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, located in West Bengal. This initiative represents a significant step towards creating a sustainable and energy-efficient campus, reflecting the increasing emphasis on clean energy adoption among India’s leading academic institutions.
Project Overview
The project involves the establishment of a 4.125 MW (AC) grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant on the IIT Kharagpur campus. CEL will oversee the design, engineering, and supply of the complete Balance of System, which includes solar photovoltaic modules. The scope of work extends to the procurement, installation, and commissioning of the solar power plant.
Benefits of the Solar Power Plant
Once operational, the solar plant is expected to generate clean electricity directly on campus, significantly reducing the institution’s dependence on conventional power sources. The anticipated benefits include:
- Reduction in Carbon Footprint: The solar plant will help IIT Kharagpur decrease its carbon emissions, contributing to a greener environment.
- Long-term Energy Savings: By generating renewable energy on-site, the institute can lower its electricity expenses, allowing for the reallocation of savings towards academic activities, research facilities, and student development programs.
- Alignment with National Goals: The project supports India’s broader objectives of increasing solar power usage in public institutions and enhancing the country’s clean energy landscape.
Tender Details
To facilitate the project, CEL has issued a tender referenced as C-2(b)/WC/0700/2526/0009. The tender was officially published on December 23, 2025. Interested bidders are required to submit a two-packet bid, which includes:
- Technical Bid: This must contain all necessary documents, including product catalogues and relevant registration certificates, in accordance with the eligibility criteria.
- Price Bid: This should be submitted separately through the online Bill of Quantities (BOQ) file.
Financial Requirements
To participate in the tender process, bidders must meet specific financial criteria. An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹36,00,000 is mandatory for all participants. This deposit ensures serious participation in the bidding process. Additionally, the successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) equal to 5 percent of the total contract value. The PBG serves as a safeguard to ensure the proper execution, performance, and maintenance of the solar power plant as per the contract terms.
Tender Timeline
The tender process follows a clearly defined timeline:
- Tender Issue and Publishing Date: December 23, 2025, at 11:00 hours.
- Last Date for Document Download and Bid Submission: January 10, 2026, at 15:00 hours.
- Technical Bids Opening: January 10, 2026, at 15:30 hours.
Educational Impact
Beyond the energy savings and environmental advantages, the solar project will serve as a valuable educational resource for students and researchers at IIT Kharagpur. The on-campus solar installation will provide real-world exposure to renewable energy systems, fostering education, innovation, and awareness around sustainability. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between public sector enterprises and educational institutions in advancing India’s clean energy transition.
Conclusion
The development of the 4.125 MW solar power plant at IIT Kharagpur marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable energy. By leveraging renewable energy sources, IIT Kharagpur not only aims to reduce its carbon footprint but also to enhance its educational offerings through practical learning experiences in renewable energy technologies. This project stands as a testament to the growing commitment of academic institutions in India to embrace clean energy solutions and contribute to a sustainable future.
Note: This article is based on the latest information available as of December 2025 and is subject to change as the project progresses.
