Gap analysis for National Control Center (NCC) with higher level of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) systems, and propose initial design of the new NCC for EFL

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS BASED SELECTION (CQS)

Name of Project Fiji Energy Transformation Project Preparation (P515153)

Loan No/Credit No/Grant Number GFPP Grant No. TF0D0728

Assignment Title Gap analysis for National Control Center (NCC) with higher level of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) systems, and propose initial design of the new NCC for EFL

Procurement Plan Ref Number FJ-EFL-567211-CS-CQS

Reference No. EOI-02/2026

Country of Delivery Republic of Fiji

The Republic of Fiji, acting through Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), has received financing from the World Bank toward the costs of the Fiji Energy Transformation Project Preparation (P515153), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.

The consulting services ("the Services") comprise a comprehensive gap analysis of EFL's National Control Centre (NCC) at Vuda Back Road, Nadi, and the definition of an initial design and modernisation roadmap for a future NCC capable of securely operating the Fiji grid at high levels of variable renewable energy penetration. EFL is the primary electricity provider in Fiji, serving Vitilevu, Vanualevu, Ovalau and Taveuni. Demand on the main VLIS grid currently exceeds 213 MW and is expected to exceed 300 MW within ten years, while EFL's Renewable Energy Roadmap targets the installation of 165 MW of solar capacity and over 40 MW of battery energy storage within five years. The NCC's current infrastructure, systems and operating procedures must be assessed against this future state.

The Services will cover:

assessment of the current SCADA/EMS infrastructure, data acquisition and analytics capability, and communications infrastructure (telemetry, fibre/OPGW, microwave, backup systems), including latency, signal loss and failover readiness; evaluation of operational processes and readiness, including SOPs for normal and emergency conditions, demand and generation forecasting, grid security studies (contingency analysis, load flow, voltage stability), AVR and load frequency control performance, management of distributed energy resources and low-inertia conditions, disaster recovery and black-start coordination; review of grid code and regulatory compliance against international standards and good practice, and delivery of a reviewed grid code document; assessment of cybersecurity for operational technology and IT, and of physical security at the main and backup control centres, against Critical Infrastructure Protection standards; assessment of staffing levels, competencies, training, control room ergonomics and human factors; assessment of environmental and social aspects, including energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable procurement, disability inclusion and gender-appropriate facilities; preparation of a Gap Analysis Report (inception, draft and final) mapping current versus desired "to-be" states, categorised by risk level, with a prioritised modernisation roadmap, action plan, timelines and cost estimates; and support to EFL to define a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy — including packaging and contract type — and to prepare the corresponding draft bidding documents.

The assignment requires desktop review, stakeholder consultations, site visits and physical inspection of the control room and backup facilities, and benchmarking against international best practice (e.g. IEEE, IEC, ENTSO-E).

Implementation period : the assignment is expected to be completed within a maximum of seven (7) months from contract signature. Expected start date: October 2026.

Terms of Reference : The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://www.tenderlink.com/efl(opens in new window) and is also attached to this REOI as Appendix 1.

Energy Fiji Limited 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 attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, latest’s edition, ("the Regulations"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest.

EOI Evaluation Criteria Criterion Weight

1. General experience of the firm in power systems, electricity utility modernization, control centres and/or related power-sector advisory services 20%

2. Relevant experience in SCADA/EMS and National/Regional Control Centre assignments, particularly gap assessments, modernization, design or upgrading of control centre systems 40%

3. Relevant experience in renewable energy integration and grid modernization, including high-VRE grids, BESS, grid stability and/or associated Grid Code work 20%

4. Relevant experience in developing technical specifications, procurement strategies and/or bidding documents for complex SCADA/EMS, control centre or comparable power-system investments 20%

Total 100%

Form and content of the Expression of Interest : Expressions of interest should not exceed 10 pages , excluding annexes, and should contain only the information necessary to assess the criteria set out above. Consultants are not required to submit technical proposals, methodologies, work plans, staffing schedules, CVs of experts, or financial proposals at this stage. In accordance with the Regulations, the qualifications and experience of Key Experts do not form part of this evaluation, and any such material submitted will not be evaluated.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but shall indicate clearly whether the association takes the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all members shall be jointly and severally liable, and the lead member shall be identified.

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