In a significant move that reinforces its leadership in India’s renewable energy transition, NHPC Limited has signed its first Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) for the development of a 30 MW / 120 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Kerala.
The agreement, secured under NHPC’s BESS Tranche-I tender via the competitive bidding route, is part of NHPC’s broader initiative to build 125 MW / 500 MWh of storage capacity in Kerala. This milestone project will support Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) by enhancing grid stability, peak demand management, and the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.
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Strategic Energy Transition Under Ministry of Power Guidelines
The project, backed by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and operating under a 12-year BESPA, will be commissioned within 15 months. It aligns with the Ministry of Power’s energy storage roadmap, and NHPC’s leadership role marks a crucial step in enabling round-the-clock renewable energy delivery through grid-resilient infrastructure.
NHPC’s strategic push into standalone BESS also supports the national vision of achieving a sustainable, secure, and flexible energy ecosystem.
TPREL’s First Standalone BESS Project – A Collaboration with NHPC
This partnership marks TPREL’s first success in the standalone BESS space, underlining NHPC’s capability in executing high-impact energy infrastructure projects through innovative partnerships and competitive processes. The 30 MW / 120 MWh BESS will be located at a 220 kV substation in Kerala, enhancing the regional transmission and storage framework.
Expanding NHPC’s Clean Energy Portfolio
While NHPC has been traditionally known for its hydropower dominance, this project emphasizes its diversification into advanced energy storage solutions and grid modernization. NHPC is rapidly evolving into a comprehensive clean energy leader, extending its portfolio beyond hydropower to solar, wind, and now large-scale energy storage.
The Kerala BESS project is a template for future public-private collaborations and tariff-based competitive storage procurement across India.
Industry Synergies: NHPC-Tata Power Renewable Collaboration
NHPC’s collaboration with Tata Power Renewable—a leading renewable IPP with a renewable energy capacity of 10.9 GW (including 5.6 GW operational)—reflects strong industry synergies. The deal also complements TPREL’s existing BESS experience, such as its 100 MW solar + 120 MWh storage project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, developed under an EPC contract from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI).
About NHPC Limited
NHPC Limited is a Schedule-A, Mini-Ratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. As the largest hydropower development organization in the country, NHPC is also venturing into solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects to diversify its renewable portfolio. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, NHPC continues to play a critical role in India’s clean energy transition.
