NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) has issued a request for selection (RfS) for developers to establish interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected 250 MW/1,000 MWh standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) under a build-own-operate model. The project includes a greenshoe option, allowing for an additional 250 MW/1,000 MWh capacity expansion. The BESS will provide NVVN with energy on demand during peak and off-peak hours. Bids must be submitted by 24 March 2025, with opening scheduled for 25 March 2025. Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of $16,747.54, a tender document fee of $259.52, and a tender processing fee of $17,301.18 plus 18% GST. Selected bidders must also submit a performance bank guarantee of $41,891.92/MW. The scope of work includes setting up the BESS, ensuring charging power with single-cycle charging and discharging operations, and interconnecting the system with ISTS substations anywhere in India. While renewable energy sources are preferred for charging, other sources may be used to meet any remaining requirements. The total 1,000 MWh (250 MW x 4 hours) capacity must be distributed across ISTS substations, and developers must operate and maintain the system with a minimum monthly availability of 95%. If NVVN is unable to offtake power, it will be liable to pay 52.88% of the discovered composite energy tariff to the developer for the difference between the energy made and energy scheduled on a monthly basis. The BESS must be designed to provide a maximum of four hours of discharge capacity, with the minimum bid size set at 200 MWh (50 MW x 4 hours) and the maximum at 500 MWh (125 MW x 4 hours). Under the greenshoe option, NVVN may allocate and tie up additional capacity of up to 250 MW/1,000 MWh. Projects that have already been commissioned will not be considered under this tender. However, projects under construction or not yet commissioned will be eligible, provided they are not part of any other central or state programme. The responsibility for securing ISTS connectivity will lie with the developer, and any shortfall in system availability will attract liquidated damages at twice the composite discharge value. NVVN has been actively expanding its clean energy footprint. Recently, it awarded Solarium Green Energy a tender to install 6,929 kW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects across multiple locations of the Central Armed Forces and Ministry of Home Affairs in Uttar Pradesh. With this latest BESS initiative, NVVN aims to strengthen grid stability, optimise energy storage infrastructure, and support India's transition to renewable energy.Image Source: energetica-india.net