Schoolboy errors cost bidders solar tender
Only three of the 30 companies that competed to win a bid to build, own and operate the City of Windhoek’s planned 25-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant made the final cut, with the rest losing out due to an array of novice mistakes in their bids.
From missing documents, uncertified company documents, pages not initialled, missing CVs of key staff, incomplete bid documents and a lack of reference letters, officials from the procurement unit seemingly had an easy task screening the submitted bids, which led to the disqualification of 27 bidders.
These reasons are contained in an evaluation report that provides reasons why the applications were disqualified. Although the last date to submit bids was 19 August 2021, more than a year later, the process has still not been completed.
City spokesperson Harold Akwenye yesterday said “the process is still with the procurement unit”.
When the municipality announced its plans to commence the solar project - set to produce power for domestic consumption - it initially wanted five solar PV power plants that would have a combined capacity of 25 megawatts (MW), with each of the five solar power plants generating 5MW. The estimated cost for the project was N$420 million, and it was set to be built on the southern borders of Cimbebasia, along the B1 road to Rehoboth.
The procurement unit, however, was against the proposed structure of the project, as it wanted it to consist of only one mega-plant that produces the required 25MW. The latter option was eventually chosen.
Akwenye confirmed the new developments regarding the move from multiple plants to a single one when questioned on the progress of the adjudication process.
25-year deal
In a notification letter dated 7 September sent to the bidders who lost out, the unit informed them that IJG-Akuo-Suneg Consortium, Alensy Energy Solutions and a joint venture between ChargeTech and Sepco Electric Power Construction Corporation met the set requirements.
The final successful bidder will be responsible for the financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the plant for the next 25 years. Currently, most of the electricity consumed in Windhoek is sourced from NamPower.
The unsuccessful bidders include companies such as Senco Investments, Epupa Investment Technology, Dawn Star Investments, Raydian Power Solution, Innosun Energy Holdings, SUNfarming Windhoek Invest and Nam-Mic Holdings, amongst others.
Modified single-buyer rule
It is understood that the power purchase agreement that will be signed for this project will be in line with the provisions of the modified single-buyer rule. This provision - enacted in 2019 - allows large electricity consumers to source 30% of their requirement directly from independent power producers, or generate it themselves.
Namibia, which plans to achieve 70% renewable energy share for its power mix by 2030, has been in talks with Botswana to construct a five-gigawatt solar complex along the common border.
The two neighbours penned a memorandum of intent to cooperate on the project.
From missing documents, uncertified company documents, pages not initialled, missing CVs of key staff, incomplete bid documents and a lack of reference letters, officials from the procurement unit seemingly had an easy task screening the submitted bids, which led to the disqualification of 27 bidders.
These reasons are contained in an evaluation report that provides reasons why the applications were disqualified. Although the last date to submit bids was 19 August 2021, more than a year later, the process has still not been completed.
City spokesperson Harold Akwenye yesterday said “the process is still with the procurement unit”.
When the municipality announced its plans to commence the solar project - set to produce power for domestic consumption - it initially wanted five solar PV power plants that would have a combined capacity of 25 megawatts (MW), with each of the five solar power plants generating 5MW. The estimated cost for the project was N$420 million, and it was set to be built on the southern borders of Cimbebasia, along the B1 road to Rehoboth.
The procurement unit, however, was against the proposed structure of the project, as it wanted it to consist of only one mega-plant that produces the required 25MW. The latter option was eventually chosen.
Akwenye confirmed the new developments regarding the move from multiple plants to a single one when questioned on the progress of the adjudication process.
25-year deal
In a notification letter dated 7 September sent to the bidders who lost out, the unit informed them that IJG-Akuo-Suneg Consortium, Alensy Energy Solutions and a joint venture between ChargeTech and Sepco Electric Power Construction Corporation met the set requirements.
The final successful bidder will be responsible for the financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the plant for the next 25 years. Currently, most of the electricity consumed in Windhoek is sourced from NamPower.
The unsuccessful bidders include companies such as Senco Investments, Epupa Investment Technology, Dawn Star Investments, Raydian Power Solution, Innosun Energy Holdings, SUNfarming Windhoek Invest and Nam-Mic Holdings, amongst others.
Modified single-buyer rule
It is understood that the power purchase agreement that will be signed for this project will be in line with the provisions of the modified single-buyer rule. This provision - enacted in 2019 - allows large electricity consumers to source 30% of their requirement directly from independent power producers, or generate it themselves.
Namibia, which plans to achieve 70% renewable energy share for its power mix by 2030, has been in talks with Botswana to construct a five-gigawatt solar complex along the common border.
The two neighbours penned a memorandum of intent to cooperate on the project.
Comments