REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)
CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS BASED SELECTION (CQS)
Name of Project
Secure, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy for Sri Lanka
Loan No/Credit No/ Grand Number
P505052
Assignment Title
Consultancy Services to prepare the specification of the Synchronous Condenser at the New Habarana Grid Substation
Procurement Plan Ref Number
.
Country of Delivery
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Installation of a 75 MVA synchronous condenser at New Habarana GSS and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.
The consulting services ("the Services") include: (a) site assessment and data collection, including review of existing grid studies and operational data, and identification of technical; spatial, and integration constraints; (b) evaluation of system requirements covering grid stability, reactive power and voltage control needs, future expansion scenarios, and determination of key synchronous condenser technical parameters, including excitation, flywheel sizing, short-circuit contribution, and environmental and seismic considerations; and (c) development of technical specifications and procurement support, including detailed specifications for design, auxiliaries, protection and control, SCADA integration, testing and commissioning, warranties and spares, and delivery of a structured knowledge-sharing program for National System Operator (NSO) staff. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this REOI .
The assignment will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team of experts comprised of an Electrical Engineer / Synchronous Condenser Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Large Rotating Equipment), Protection, Control and Automation Engineer (P&C/SCADA), and Grid Studies and Power Quality Specialist, with complementary expertise covering synchronous condenser design and performance, excitation and auxiliary systems, mechanical and vibration aspects of large rotating machines, protection and control systems for transmission substations, SCADA and communication interfaces, and power system stability and dynamic performance analysis. The assignment is expected to span 45 calendar days from the start date, with an anticipated commencement in first quarter of 2026.
The NSO now invites eligible consulting firms ("Consultants") to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
The best qualified firm to carry out the services will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications Based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Regulations and based on the following criteria: (a) proven experience in power system studies and grid integration of synchronous condensers in high-renewable transmission networks; and (b) demonstrated experience in specification and design of synchronous condensers of similar size or larger.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, sixth edition, February 2025 ("the Regulations"), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 15/04/2026
Attn : Eng. (Dr) H M Wijekoon Banda
National System Operator (Pvt) Ltd
5th Floor, Office of Power System Planning Branch
No 50, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw
Colombo 02
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 112 324 842
E-mail : [email protected], copy [email protected]
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ _TOR ___________________________________________________
Preparation of Technical Specifications for Installation of a 75 MVA Synchronous Condenser at New Habarana Grid Substation and Support with Procurement Process
Terms of Reference
Background
In line with Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development, the government has set ambitious energy policy targets, aiming to achieve 70% of electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Sri Lanka’s electricity demand is experiencing sustained growth driven by economic development, and tourism growth. In the meantime, the government aims to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower electricity costs by diversifying the energy mix and leveraging the country’s extensive renewable energy resources. These developments necessitate enhancements in grid stability, reliability, and operational flexibility to support both current needs and anticipated future expansions.
In July 2025, the World Bank’s Board of Directors approved the Secure, Affordable and Sustainable Energy to Sri Lanka project (SASE, P505052), which will finance critical grid investments. SASE is the World Bank’s flagship initiative aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s power sector infrastructure to deliver more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy to all citizens. The project encompasses the upgrade and expansion of transmission assets, integration of renewable energy sources, and the deployment of advanced technologies to modernize the grid. Within this broader context, the installation of a 75 MVA synchronous condenser at New Habarana Grid Substation has been identified as a critical investment.
The New Habarana Grid Substation is a pivotal node in Sri Lanka’s national transmission network, strategically located to facilitate the transfer of bulk power between key regions. The synchronous condenser is intended to enhance system inertia, improve voltage regulation, and provide rapid reactive power support—functions that are vital for mitigating the volatility associated with higher penetration of renewable energy. The addition of this equipment aligns with the project’s strategic goals to ensure grid resilience, reduce vulnerability to disturbances, and facilitate the ongoing transition toward a cleaner energy mix. Furthermore, the New Habarana Grid Substation’s role as an interconnection point for multiple transmission corridors makes it a priority location for dynamic grid support measures. The synchronous condenser will enable the substation to help balance supply and demand fluctuations, support fault recovery, and meet stringent power quality standards as outlined in the project’s technical assessment.
In recognition of these challenges and opportunities, engaging a qualified consulting firm to help Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) prepare robust technical specifications for the synchronous condenser is essential. The Consultant’s work will guarantee that the procurement process is competitive and transparent, and that the delivered solution addresses the operational, environmental, and regulatory requirements detailed in the project’s foundational documents.
Objective of Work
The primary objective is to engage a consulting service to prepare comprehensive technical specifications for the installation and commissioning of a 75 MVA synchronous condenser at the New Habarana Grid Substation. The specifications should ensure robust performance, address all relevant technical, environmental, and operational considerations, clearly define contractual scope, and facilitate competitive procurement. Specifically, the Consultant is expected to:
Analyze the grid’s operational requirements and recommend optimal technical solutions.
Prepare detailed technical specifications covering design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the synchronous condenser.
Ensure that the specifications enable interoperability, future scalability, and compliance with prevailing standards.
Scope of Work
Task 1: Site Assessments and Data Collection . The Consultant will carry out the following main activities:
Conduct thorough site visits to New Habarana Grid Substation.
Collect existing single-line diagrams, grid studies, and historical operational data.
Identify integration points, auxiliary systems, and spatial constraints for installation.
Task 2: Evaluation of System Requirements . The Consultant will carry out the following main activities:
Analyse grid stability, reactive power requirements, and voltage control needs at New Habarana GSS, considering present and future network conditions, high renewable energy penetration, and planned transmission reinforcements. The list of available documents is presented in Annex 1.
Evaluate future expansion scenarios (to be provided by CEB), operational contingencies, and possible upgrades.
Carry out additional analytical work required for evaluating the technical parameters and determining the specifications of the required synchronous condenser, including the excitation system (i.e. Static/brushless excitor) parameters suitable for Sri Lankan use case, sizing of flywheel, short time reactive power capability, short circuit contribution, special design requirements: (i.e. over voltages, Xd"(sat), Xd’(sat), losses, etc.)
Assess the environmental, seismic, and other factors which may influence equipment design.
Task 3: Development of Technical Specifications . The Consultant will carry out the following main activities:
Draft detailed technical specifications for the synchronous condenser, including:
Rated capacity (75 MVA), voltage, frequency, insulation class, and cooling requirements.
Auxiliary systems: excitation, protection, control, and monitoring equipment.
Mechanical structure, installation footprint, vibration and noise mitigation measures.
SCADA integration, remote monitoring, and data acquisition interfaces.
Operational modes (automatic/manual), start-up/shut-down sequences, fault handling.
Maintenance requirements and lifecycle support provisions.
Compliance with IEC, IEEE, and relevant national standards.
Specify testing protocols for factory acceptance, site acceptance, and commissioning.
Define warranty, after-sales support, and spares requirements.
Conduct a knowledge sharing session (online) on specification development, including the following areas. (duration: 4 days, 7 hours per day)
Grid requirements and power system studies,
Technical requirements, Performance guarantees, Case Studies,
Testing, commissioning and maintenance.
Team Composition and Qualification Requirements for the Key Experts
The Consultant’s team should be comprised of the following key experts, and they should meet the following requirements.
Key Expert
Qualification Requirements
Grid Studies and Power Quality Specialist
At least Master’s in power systems, electrical engineering. At least 12 years of international relevant experience in power system analysis (steady-state and dynamic) using PSS®E, PowerFactory, PSCAD or equivalent tools. Experience in development/validation of dynamic models for synchronous condensers; assessment of inertia contribution, short-circuit support, reactive power/voltage regulation, fault recovery, and stability margins; experience drafting performance test protocols for grid-code compliance. Excellent knowledge of English language.
Electrical Engineer / Synchronous Condenser Specialist
At least Master’s in electrical engineering or another relevant field. At least 12 years of relevant international experience with large synchronous machines (75 MVA or larger), including excitation systems, cooling, starting methods, auxiliaries, vibration, and insulation. Participation in at least two projects covering FAT, SAT, and commissioning of synchronous condensers or large generators repurposed as condensers. Excellent knowledge of English language.
Protection, Control and Automation Engineer (P&C/SCADA)
At least Master’s in electrical engineering, automation, or controls engineering. At least 12 years of relevant international experience in protection and control for transmission substations and large rotating machines. Experience specifying and setting generator/condense mode protections (differential, stator/rotor earth fault, negative sequence, OEL/UEL, out-of-step), AVR interfaces, and PSS interactions; SCADA/DAS integration (IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3), time sync (PTP/IRIG-B), alarm/event recording, and cybersecurity considerations. Excellent knowledge of English language.
Mechanical Engineer
At least Master’s in mechanical engineering or another relevant field. At least 12 years of relevant international experience in large rotating equipment (generators/condensers, large motors, turbomachinery); bearings, lubrication, sealing, cooling, alignment, rotor dynamics and vibration diagnostics (ISO 10816/20816 or equivalent); design review of enclosures, acoustic/noise mitigation, HVAC; hydrogen safety (where relevant). Excellent knowledge of English language.
Further, the consulting firm would be responsible for determining whether further experts are required. The above is the minimum requirement.
Deliverables
The Consultant will submit the following key deliverables by the specified deadlines. For transmission system level analysis or other specialized tasks, when Consultant will be using specialized software, the outputs should be submitted both in the forma of the original software utilized and PDF/excel/Word to facilitate the review.
Deliverable
Deadline
Task 1 Report
Contract signing + 15 calendar days
Task 2 Report
Acceptance of Task 1 Report + 20 calendar days
Task 3 Report
Acceptance of Task 2 Report + 45 calendar days
Confidentiality & Intellectual Property
All information, reports, and specifications developed under this assignment remain the property of the project owner. The Consultant shall treat all project data and deliverables as confidential. Intellectual property rights pertaining to the specifications and documentation reside with the project owner.
Payment Terms
Payments to be structured by deliverable milestones, subject to approval by the project team.
Deliverable
Deadline
Task 1 Report
15% of the Contract price
Task 2 Report
30% of the Contract price
Task 3 Report
55% of the Contract price
Annex 1: List of Existing Documents and Studies with Relevance for this Assignment
The following list of documents will be provided to short-listed consultants together with the RFP.
Long Term Generation Expansion Plan 2025 2044
Long Term Transmission Development Plan 2023-2032
Software models used for the long-term transmission planning studies (These models would be provided to the selected consultant, subject to a non-disclosure agreement)