NVVN Invites Bids for 125 MW / 500 MWh Standalone BESS

In a move aimed at boosting energy storage capacity and grid flexibility, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN) has issued an open tender inviting bids to develop a 125 MW / 500 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at a 220 kV substation in Durg district, Chhattisgarh. The project seeks to reinforce grid stability and support peak-load management in the region.

Tender Overview

Total BESS Capacity: 125 MW / 500 MWh
Project Location: Near 220 kV Khedamara Substation, Durg district, Chhattisgarh
Bidding Route: Competitive bid / Request for Selection (RfS)
Issuing Authority: NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN)

Financial & Bid Conditions

Bid Processing Fee: ₹1.5 million + 18% GST
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): ₹880,000 per MW of quoted capacity
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) on award: ₹2.2 million per MW awarded capacity
Success Charge: ₹100,000 per MW + 18% GST, payable within 30 days of Letter of Award (LoA)
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): ₹1.8 million per MWh of awarded capacity — total support ceiling ₹900 million (for 500 MWh)

Technical & Performance Specifications

Minimum Round-Trip Efficiency (RtE): 85% (monthly guarantee)
Operational Cycle Requirement: At least one full charge–discharge cycle/day (~420 cycles/year)
Capacity Retention at Contract End: Dispatchable capacity must remain ≥ 70% by end of 16-year contract period
System Availability: Minimum 95% monthly availability required; NVVN may impose liquidated damages for shortfalls
Contract Termination Clause: NVVN reserves the right to terminate if availability remains below 50% for two or more cumulative years

Developer Eligibility Criteria

Must have positive net worth in the last three financial years

Minimum Net Worth: ₹8.8 million per MW of quoted capacity (≈ ₹110 crore for 125 MW project)
Minimum Average Annual Turnover (last 3 years): ₹29.2 million per MW quoted capacity