GAIL to Set Up 17.5 MW Floating Solar Plant in Uttar Pradesh

GAIL (India) Ltd. has taken a step forward by inviting bids for a 17.5 MW (AC) floating solar power plant to be set up at its facility in Pata, Uttar Pradesh. This move comes as the country pushes for cleaner energy sources and smarter ways to utilize existing infrastructure.

But what makes this project different?

It’s not just any solar installation. It’s a floating solar PV plant, meaning the panels will be installed over water bodies instead of land — a space-saving, eco-friendly solution that helps reduce evaporation and generates power more efficiently in hot areas.

GAIL is not just looking for someone to install the plant — the tender also includes:

1.Full design, supply, engineering, construction, and commissioning

2.Three years of operation and maintenance

3.Ten years of annual maintenance for critical equipment

Here’s what potential bidders need to know:

1. Bid deadline: May 20, 2025

2. Techno-commercial bids open: May 21, 2025

3. EMD (Earnest Money Deposit): INR 77.52 lakh

GAIL has laid out specific technical and financial qualifications for bidders. They must have previously completed solar PV projects of at least 14 MW on an EPC or LSTK basis and have a minimum turnover of INR 43.10 crore, with working capital of INR 8.60 crore.

This project is expected to play a role in India’s clean energy push and demonstrates how public sector giants like GAIL are actively working toward solar adoption — not just on land, but over water too.