NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has invited online bids through a single-stage, two-envelope bidding process, followed by a reverse auction, for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package for the development of a 1,100 MW/3,300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project at NTPC Renewable Energy Limited’s Khavda solar plant in Gujarat. The project comprises four blocks, including three blocks of 300 MW/900 MWh each and one block of 200 MW/600 MWh. Each BESS block will be connected at the 33 kV level of the designated solar plant. The bid submission deadline is October 27, 2026.
According to the tender guidelines, the scope of work includes the design, engineering, supply, transportation, installation, testing and commissioning of the grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) on a turnkey basis, along with the integration of the supplied equipment with the balance of system infrastructure to commission a complete BESS integrated with the designated solar plants. The BESS must be designed for a battery life of 25 years, considering single cycle per day application. The bidder must guarantee the minimum dispatchable energy at the point of interconnection, taking capacity degradation into account, and ensure a minimum monthly round-trip efficiency of 80 per cent, including auxiliary consumption. Additionally, the bidder will be responsible for grid compliance studies, power quality compliance, auxiliary power supply and civil works. The scope also includes the required bus extension and associated works to integrate the BESS plant with the 33 kV switchgear of each designated solar plant.
Furthermore, the scope includes comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of the BESS for 15 years, with annual system availability of 98 per cent. It also includes configuring the energy management system (EMS) to operate the BESS in various modes as per grid requirements, enabling integrated operation with the solar plants and plant scheduling in accordance with grid and Regional Load Despatch Centre requirements during O&M. The EMS must support charging the BESS from the grid, with provision for future integration with the solar plants. The BESS must comply with the latest guidelines of the Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and Load Despatch Centre. The battery management system, EMS and BESS fire safety systems must comply with the latest applicable Indian Standards, International Electrotechnical Commission and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards, as well as guidelines issued by statutory authorities. Fire safety measures for the batteries and containers must also comply with the latest applicable Indian or international standards.
