Expression of Interest - Study on Biomass Potentials in Bangladesh

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Electronic Submissions through World Bank Group eConsultant2
https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Assignment Title: 1037540 - Study on Biomass Potentials in Bangladesh

Assignment Countries:
- Bangladesh

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

Electricity generation by using biomass offers a promising option to address energy needs in an energy deficient market. Conversion of biomass into electricity would help multiple level positive impacts in terms of (a) value added waste management thus higher productivity at firms, (b) access to off-grid electricity through renewable energy, (c) support for increased organic fertilizer production from slurry and thereby reduce chemical fertilizer usage, (d) improved solution to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Biomass covers all kinds of organic matters from fuel wood, agricultural residues, animal dung and municipal wastes, the availability of which is linked with forestry resources, crop production, animal numbers and urban waste production. The SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) of IFC is looking forward to explore opportunities to convert biomass into electricity in Bangladesh; and looking forward to hire a consulting firm to conduct an assessment study.

Scope of Work
The Consultant is expected to scope out the potentials for biomass projects in Bangladesh in terms of generating electricity from biogas. In order to get engaged in this sector SEDF will look forward to a well researched, realistic, and well structured assessment report, which will explore exclusively but not exhausted to the following subjects:
- Available biomass sources and kinds (including agricultural sources) in Bangladesh and its annual volume
- Potentials for generating electricity from biomass sources and categorize them in terms of calorific values, economic analysis, price, (to offset diesel consumption in the country)
- Current usage of these biomass and the economic value/ current pricing (opportunity costs) of the entire volume of biomass in Bangladesh
- List and address of any major industrial sources/ potential suppliers of solid and gaseous biomass energy resources available in the country, including for example pulp and paper waste products, waste from food processing industry, non-food crops, etc. with an analysis of the logistic costs and issues surrounding each fuel source including the risks of commercialization being redirected to biomass energy use 
- Identification of the major biomass producing industries including - tea, commercial dairy and poultry layer farms (above 20,000 birds) as potential clients for the waste to electricity project
- Required technology, its manufacturers (both local and international), price and services offering to the clients for converting biomass into electricity
- Opportunities and major challenges in introducing these technologies in Bangladesh
- Services and availability of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) providers, constructors, Erection-Procurement-Construction (EPC) providers and consolidators in the sector
- Technology analysis including benchmarking analysis in terms of technical performance, financial costs (depending on the kind of biomass being used i.e. impact of cost/ price per kwh), and the capabilities of local manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of technology, as applied to each target category
- Any legal and practical opportunities from the government in using the bio-energy 
- A mapping of active stakeholders in the market, covering financiers/investors, technology providers, logistics service providers and project developers
- Bundling opportunities for small scale bio gasification projects for electricity generation
- Identification of key barriers inhibiting biomass power project developments
- Suggestions to accelerate biomass investments in the country, including Investment risks and the risk mitigation measures 
- List of market studies/secondary statistics available related to biomass and bio-energy specific to Bangladesh context

It is expected that the Consultant will elaborate following information to overview the current status of Bangladesh in Biomass sector: 
- List of all major biomass projects in Bangladesh classified by different development stages (under development, planned/approved, under construction, or in operation) and fuel type
- The major information of each existing project will cover the basic background of project developer and major technical-economic indicators, like location, installed capacity, generation in the past years, plant type, major equipment suppliers, average generation capacity efficiency (gross and net), operation reliability, overall investment cost (approximate), tariff, average fuel price, fuel type and quality etc. 
- Summarize the major development issues of the existing biomass projects by categories, like equipment quality, fuel supply, location or plan, and grid connection. This summary would present the reader a general picture of major problems with biomass-fired power development so far in Bangladesh. A detailed analysis on fuel supply issue is required.
- The Consultant may conduct some case studies on specified biomass projects to complete above summary. It is recommended these case studies will cover both successful and unsuccessful examples (not necessary to mention the project name).
- Other information, which will benefit the reader to get familiar with the biomass power development in Bangladesh, is also encouraged to be provided.
- Biomass source specific avoided GHG emission calculator. 

INDIVIDUAL / FIRM PROFILE
The consultant will be a firm. 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility restrictions apply:
- The lead consulting firm must be an international firm with relevant experience
- The lead consulting firm must associate with a Bangladesh-based consulting firm to support them in project implementation
- Provide information on expertise and experience with any prior similar assignments; experience in similar conditions; availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.
- Provide information on the Bangladeshi research/consultancy firms expertise and experience with any prior similar assignments; experience in similar conditions; availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. 
- No formal agreement/contract with the Bangladeshi research/consultancy firm is required at this stage.
- Demonstrate a capability to meet the World Bank Groups Vendor Eligibility Criteria as found on www.worldbank.org/corporateprocurement.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) of International Finance Corporation now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions and availability of appropriate skills among staff for firms; and CV for individuals). Please note that responses should not exceed 10 pages. If the submitted response exceeds 20 pages, IFC reserves the right to read only the first 20. 

Interested consultants are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through World Bank Group eConsultant2 (https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html)

NOTES
Following this invitation for Expression of Interest, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Short listing and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.