Rajasthan Floats 2.45 GW Solar and 6.4 GWh BESS Tender

Rajasthan Solarpark Development Company Limited (RSDCL) has issued a tender for 2,450 MW of state transmission utility (STU)-connected solar photovoltaic projects integrated with 1,600 MW/6,400 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at Pugal Solar Park in Bikaner district, Rajasthan. The projects will be developed under the Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model, with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The tender aims to expand Rajasthan’s solar generation capacity while integrating large-scale battery storage to improve power supply flexibility. The storage systems will have a four-hour duration and are required to be charged primarily using electricity generated by the co-located solar projects.

Key Details of the Tender

Tendering Authority: Rajasthan Solarpark Development Company Limited (RSDCL)
Total Solar Capacity: 2,450 MW
Total BESS Capacity: 1,600 MW/6,400 MWh
Storage Duration: Four hours
Location: Pugal Solar Park, Bikaner district, Rajasthan
Grid Connectivity: State Transmission Utility (STU)
Project Model: Build, Own, Operate (BOO)
PPA Tenure: 25 years
Power Offtaker: Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL)
End Beneficiaries: Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JDVVNL)

Lot-Wise Capacity Allocation

The tender has been divided into two lots, with separate solar and battery storage capacities.

Lot 1

Solar capacity: 2,000 MW
BESS capacity: 1,320 MW/5,280 MWh
Plot configuration: Eight plots of 250 MW each
Minimum bid capacity: 250 MW

Lot 2

Solar capacity: 450 MW
BESS capacity: 280 MW/1,120 MWh
Plot configuration: Two plots of 225 MW each
Minimum bid capacity: 225 MW

The maximum capacity that a developer, including its group companies, can bid for across both lots is 1,225 MW, along with the corresponding proportionate battery storage capacity.

Land Allocation and Project Requirements

RSDCL will provide land to selected developers on a lease basis. Developers will be responsible for installing the battery storage systems within their allotted project land and integrating them with the associated solar generation facilities.

The project scope also includes power evacuation up to the 33 kV bays at RSDCL’s pooling substation. The requirement to charge the BESS primarily from the co-located solar plants is intended to integrate storage with renewable generation and support more flexible electricity scheduling.

Significance for Rajasthan’s Renewable Energy Sector

The tender represents a major solar-plus-storage procurement initiative for Rajasthan, combining 2.45 GW of solar generation with 6.4 GWh of battery storage. Integrating storage with solar projects can help shift electricity supply to periods of higher demand, reduce the impact of variable solar generation and improve the flexibility of the state’s power system.

The 25-year PPA structure provides a long-term framework for project implementation and electricity procurement. The tender also creates opportunities for renewable energy developers and battery storage providers to participate in large-scale projects supporting Rajasthan’s clean energy expansion.