Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) has launched a request for selection to develop 1 000 MW / 2 000 MWh of standalone battery-energy-storage systems (BESS) at six locations, backed by viability-gap funding from the Union Ministry of Power. The programme earmarks installations at Chattargarh and Bandu (each 200 MW / 400 MWh) and Pugal (100 MW / 400 MWh) in Bikaner district, plus Bhawad (300 MW / 600 MWh), Bap (100 MW / 200 MWh) and Palli (100 MW / 200 MWh) in neighbouring Jodhpur.

Under the tender, RVUNL (or its affiliate Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services) will schedule charging and discharging, using power supplied by the state transmission utility. Bidders may secure up to 250 MW / 500 MWh in total, and must lodge an earnest-money deposit of Rs 0.21 million per MWh and show a minimum net worth of Rs 2 million per MWh of quoted capacity. Each developer will finance and build all works to the interconnection point—including transmission lines, bays, busbar extensions and protection relays—and obtain every consent and clearance required.

Battery chemistry is unrestricted provided the technology is commercially proven. RVUNL will either lease land at cost or help developers secure plots directly. A professional agency will manage day-to-day operations and maintenance. Bids are due by 4 August 2025.

The storage fleet is expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s renewable-rich grid by providing on-demand balancing, spurring further solar and wind deployment while boosting local manufacturing and employment.