NTPC has announced the opening of bids for a pilot project featuring a battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide backup power for two units with a combined capacity of 420 MW at its Dadri thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh.

The project seeks to replace diesel generators with a BESS that will supply four hours of backup power for two Stage I units, each rated at 210 MW. The system will be designed to meet the emergency power needs of these units.

Bidders are required to submit their proposals by February 2, 2025, with the opening of bids scheduled for February 11. Proposals must include an earnest money deposit of Rs 1 million ($11,550) and a bid procurement fee of Rs 4,500 ($51.97).

Successful bidders will be responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, fabrication, supply, and installation of the BESS, including associated logistics such as packing, transportation, and storage. They will also need to ensure insurance, obtain necessary clearances, and conduct quality tests as part of the commissioning process.

The selected contractors must commit to providing comprehensive annual maintenance for the BESS over a period of 10 years.

To qualify, bidders must have experience in designing and commissioning grid-interactive BESS with a minimum cumulative capacity of 2,000 kWh over the past decade, including one project with a capacity of at least 700 kWh that has been operational for six months or longer.

Alternatively, bidders with expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for large-scale energy or electrification projects may also apply, provided one project cost at least Rs 56.1 million ($647,966) and was operational within the past six months.

Additionally, bidders must have an annual turnover of Rs 70.1 million ($809,669) in the past three financial years.

In June 2024, NTPC invited bids for the development of a 250 MW/500 MWh standalone BESS at its plants in Gadarwara and Solapur.