NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) has invited bids for the development of a 240 MW/960 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Devikot Solar Plant in Rajasthan, marking one of the company’s largest standalone energy storage tenders to date.
The project will be connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and will be awarded through a domestic competitive bidding process under a single-stage, two-envelope route followed by a reverse auction. The initiative is expected to strengthen grid flexibility and support the growing integration of renewable energy into India’s power system.
Under the tender, the selected bidder will be responsible for delivering the project on a complete turnkey basis. The scope of work covers the design, engineering, supply, transportation, installation, testing, commissioning, and integration of the battery energy storage system with the existing solar plant and grid infrastructure at Devikot.
In addition to the storage system itself, the contract includes civil and electrical works, energy management system (EMS) integration, grid compliance studies, and power quality compliance up to the 220 kV/400 kV ISTS interconnection point. The successful bidder will also be responsible for ensuring that the project meets all applicable technical and regulatory requirements.
NTPC REL has specified a design life of 25 years for the battery energy storage system. The batteries deployed under the project must be capable of operating for a minimum of 10,000 cycles. To ensure long-term performance, bidders will be required to guarantee at least 98% dispatchable capacity at the point of interconnection for the first 15 years of operation, beginning with 100% rated capacity in the first year. Any augmentation needed to maintain the required performance level during this period will fall within the bidder’s scope of work.
To deliver the required 960 MWh dispatchable capacity, the tender stipulates a minimum installed nameplate capacity of 1,060 MWh.
The project specifications also require the battery system to achieve a minimum monthly round-trip efficiency of 80%, including auxiliary consumption, along with a minimum monthly availability of 98%. The contract further includes comprehensive operations and maintenance services, associated warranties, insurance coverage, and annual maintenance support for a period of 15 years.
NTPC REL has emphasised that the battery energy storage system must comply with the latest standards and guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and Load Dispatch Centres (LDCs). Compliance requirements extend to battery management systems, energy management systems, fire safety provisions, and other relevant operational standards.
The company has outlined multiple eligibility routes for prospective bidders. Battery manufacturers can qualify if they have supplied at least 80 MWh of grid-interactive BESS capacity, including at least one project of 20 MWh that has been operating successfully for six months. Alternatively, bidders may qualify through prior experience in executing and commissioning battery energy storage projects of comparable scale, developing at least 40 MWac of grid-connected solar or wind projects, or through technical collaboration agreements with eligible battery manufacturers.
The eligibility criteria also extend to EPC contractors that have executed industrial projects worth at least ₹1.59 billion and have experience with electrical substations of 33 kV or higher.
From a financial perspective, bidders must demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least ₹1.59 billion during the preceding three financial years. Their net worth as of the latest financial year must be at least equal to their paid-up share capital. NTPC REL has also provided provisions allowing support from holding or subsidiary companies, subject to specified conditions.
The bid submission deadline has been set for July 13, 2026, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 29, 2026. Interested bidders will also be required to furnish a bid security of ₹20 crore.
The project will be financed through NTPC REL’s own resources and borrowings. As India continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, large-scale storage projects such as the Devikot BESS are expected to play an increasingly important role in balancing supply and demand, improving grid reliability, and supporting the country’s long-term clean energy transition.
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