In a significant push to strengthen renewable energy integration, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for a 600 MW / 1,200 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Kolimigundla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. This project forms a part of India’s ambitious plan to deploy 30 GWh of BESS capacity by 2028 under the Viability Gap Funding

Project Snapshot

Capacity: 600 MW with 1,200 MWh (2-hour duration) energy storage
Operation Model: Standalone BESS with energy discharge optimized during peak and regulated hours via power exchanges.
Grid Connection: Through ISTS at Kurnool-3 substation.
Site Area: Spread over approximately 40 acres.

Scope of Work & Contractual Highlights

Turnkey Responsibility: Includes design, engineering, equipment supply, civil execution, testing, and commissioning.

Comprehensive O&M: 15-year post-commissioning service contract.

Exclusions: BESS containers, power conversion systems, and cabling will be separately handled.

Financial & Bidding Details

Bid Submission Deadline -Between 8–10 September 2025
Bid Opening- Scheduled for 11 September 2025
EMD Required- ₹421,600 per MW ⇒ Total ~₹252.96 crore
Performance Bank Guarantee –10% of contract value, expected within 20 days of award
Liquidated Damages –Up to 5% of contract value for delays

Pre-Bid Meeting & Tender Updates

A Hybrid Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled for 28 August 2025 at 2:30 PM IST via Microsoft Teams. Invitations were issued on 17 August 2025.

Bidders must register and keep abreast of updates exclusively through SECI’s portal and ISN-ETS, ensuring timely response to any amendments.

Strategic Importance

Grid Flexibility: Critical support during peak demand and intermittency conditions.
Policy Momentum: Demonstrates progress under India’s BESS deployment target and VGF scheme.
Market Signal: Sets a precedent in scale and delivery expectations for future BESS projects across India.

This project heralds a new era for energy storage infrastructure in India—delivering resilience, reliability, and investment confidence into the renewable energy system.