Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon

Programme Overview

This intensive five-day programme delivers actionable knowledge for public sector professionals leading utility-scale solar photovoltaic investments. Participants examine international competitive bidding frameworks, FIDIC Silver and Yellow Book contract structures, and performance guarantees essential for public sector asset delivery. The curriculum addresses technical oversight requirements, evaluating technical tender submittals, verifying contractor warranties, and establishing statutory compliance procedures aligned with international development bank procurement regulations, including standard bidding procedures of the World Bank and African Development Bank.

The course focuses on the technical intricacies of high-voltage transmission integration and system stability. Participants analyse grid codes, harmonic distortion limits, dynamic voltage control, and substation interconnection arrangements. Key technical sessions address inverter technology, power curtailment mechanisms, and supervisory control and data acquisition specifications. Through real-world case evaluations, delegates review solar plant integration constraints, intermittent generation challenges, and stability studies necessary to avoid catastrophic grid tripping on fragile, constrained regional power distribution networks.

Delegates master field supervision and commissioning verification according to international standard IEC 62446. The training systematically breaks down quality assurance regimes, factory acceptance testing, on-site mechanical installation, and cold and hot commissioning. Special emphasis is placed on factory inspection checklists, non-conformance logging, pyranometer sensor calibration, string performance ratio verification, and provisional acceptance procedures. Officials depart equipped with operational tools to ensure engineering, procurement, and construction contractors meet performance covenants across all delivery phases.

The rapid deployment of utility-scale solar power is vital for regional electrification and reducing heavy dependence on imported fuel oil. Large programmes such as the Guinea-Bissau: Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project (US$48.2m) require robust public procurement capacity, rigorous grid compliance enforcement, and technical engineering oversight. Public agencies must deploy resilient technical due diligence to negotiate complex contracts, protect public finances, and guarantee grid resilience when connecting intermittent renewable generation to vulnerable national transmission infrastructure.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Lisbon, Portugal, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability

• Multilateral development bank procurement regulations for renewable energy infrastructure
• Drafting Employer Requirements and technical specifications for utility-scale PV
• Structuring performance guarantees: PR, availability, and degradation metrics
• Evaluating EPC contractor bids: technical scoring, compliance, and life-cycle costing
• FIDIC contract models: risk allocation between Employer and Contractor under the Silver Book
• Grid code compliance for renewable generators: voltage, frequency, and fault ride-through
• Interconnection substation topologies, protection coordination, and transformer selection
• Impact of solar variability on weak grids and grid stability assessment methodologies
• Procurement planning and market analysis
• Choosing procurement methods and approaches
• Writing specifications and terms of reference
• Bidding documents and evaluation criteria

It is designed for energy ministry engineers and technical officers, national electricity utility planners and network operators, public procurement specialists handling renewable energy tenders and others who want practical, current skills in procurement and contract management.

The Growing Importance of Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon

Procurement is where public money becomes roads, medicines, systems and services. Delays, weak specifications and poor contract management are among the most common reasons projects fall behind or fail their audits.

Financiers and governments now expect value for money, fair competition and well-documented decisions at every stage, from planning to contract completion. Teams who manage the full cycle well deliver faster and with fewer complaints.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Plan procurement that matches project needs and timelines
• Prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria
• Evaluate bids consistently and defend the decision
• Manage contracts, variations and performance
• Keep complete records for audit and review

Strong procurement and contract management systems help organisations:

• Reduce procurement delays and failed tenders
• Achieve value for money
• Lower the risk of complaints and audit findings
• Deliver contracts on time and to quality

This Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training?

This programme is designed for:

• Energy ministry engineers and technical officers
• National electricity utility planners and network operators
• Public procurement specialists handling renewable energy tenders
• Project Implementation Unit managers on donor-financed solar projects
• Grid system operators managing transmission integration
• Regulatory authority analysts evaluating power purchase covenants
• Site inspection engineers responsible for civil and electrical verification
• Utility quality assurance and control compliance officers
• Government legal advisers supporting energy infrastructure contracts
• Procurement officers and managers
• Contract managers and administrators
• Project and programme managers

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate technical specifications and employer requirements for utility-scale solar PV tenders
• Structure international competitive bidding documents using multilateral development bank procurement templates
• Assess grid integration risks and determine compliance with national and regional grid codes
• Supervise EPC contractor workflows under FIDIC Silver Book and Yellow Book standard conditions
• Execute quality assurance protocols using IEC 62446 for commissioning and acceptance testing
• Formulate rigorous punch lists and non-conformance management processes during solar plant erection
• Establish long-term performance ratio verification and capacity degradation testing mechanisms
• Explain the procurement cycle and the rules that apply to it
• Prepare a procurement plan linked to project timelines
• Choose a suitable method and approach to the market

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training Methodology

The training applies an interactive adult-learning methodology integrating technical lectures, practical engineering exercises, and tender evaluation simulations. Delegates work on real-world engineering documentation, including sample single-line diagrams, factory inspection sheets, and FIDIC contract clauses. Facilitated peer discussions encourage cross-border knowledge exchange, while daily group work requires teams to review non-conforming installation scenarios, draft technical audit reports, and calculate contractual delay and performance liquidated damages.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group. Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training, participants will be able to:

• Capability to review and validate utility-scale solar PV tender documentation independently
• Competence in managing EPC contractors under standard FIDIC contract provisions
• Skill to evaluate grid interconnection studies and specify technical grid code compliance
• Proficiency in directing on-site inspection teams during civil and electrical works
• Mastery of IEC 62446 compliance testing for plant energisation and performance verification
• Ability to execute legally sound handover procedures and protect public project capital
• Plan procurement that fits project needs and timelines
• Prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Procurement planning and strategy
• Evaluation practice
• Contract management
• Complaint handling
• Procurement records and audit readiness

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Procurement plans and timelines
• Specifications and evaluation criteria
• Evaluation reports
• Contract monitoring
• Variation and claims management

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply procurement and contract management within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in procurement and contract management increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on procurement and contract management. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to procurement and contract management that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Lisbon, Portugal brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how procurement and contract management is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Portugal

Training programmes and study tours in Lisbon suit professionals focusing on public sector governance, maritime affairs, renewable energy, and urban administration. Delegates attend from across Europe, North Africa, and Portuguese-speaking nations in Africa and South America.

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Readiness Assessment
• Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory

During the Programme

• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner
• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon Training Manual
• Procurement Plan Template
• Bid Evaluation Scoring Sheet
• Contract Management Plan Template
• Variation and Claims Register
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Procurement Records Checklist
• Contract Performance Tracker
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions plan procurement that matches project needs and timelines?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Solar PV Tendering and Procurement Under International Standards), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Grid Interconnection Architecture, Network Studies, and Compliance), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions evaluate bids consistently and defend the decision?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (EPC Execution Management and On-Site Civil/Electrical Oversight), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions manage contracts, variations and performance?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Factory Inspections, Testing Protocols, and Site Commissioning), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions keep complete records for audit and review?

The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Performance Acceptance, Defects Liability, and Handover), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Solar PV Tendering, Grid Interconnection and EPC Oversight in Lisbon programme take place?

It runs from 13 Sep 2027 to 17 Sep 2027, in Lisbon, Portugal. The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for energy ministry engineers and technical officers, national electricity utility planners and network operators, public procurement specialists handling renewable energy tenders, project Implementation Unit managers on donor-financed solar projects, and others who want practical skills in procurement and contract management.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in procurement and contract management?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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