New Delhi: NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited, has secured a 50 MW/200 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) project at Arambag in West Bengal’s Hooghly district. The company received a Letter of Award (LoA) from West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) following its successful bid in a competitive tender.
In a regulatory filing dated October 14, NLC India Limited said that NIRL emerged as the successful bidder in a tender floated by the Department of Power, Government of West Bengal, on behalf of WBSEDCL. The tender was issued for developing standalone battery energy storage systems at multiple locations across the state through a tariff-based competitive bidding process.
NLC India Renewables Secures 50 MW/200 MWh BESS Project
The project involves the development of a standalone battery energy storage system with a capacity of 50 MW and an energy storage capacity of 200 MWh at Arambag in Hooghly district, West Bengal.
Following the bidding process, NIRL received the Letter of Award from WBSEDCL, marking a new order win for the company in the battery energy storage segment. The project will further expand the subsidiary’s presence in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors.
However, NLC India has not disclosed the project cost, execution timeline or expected commissioning date in its regulatory filing.
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Project to Support Energy Storage Infrastructure in West Bengal
The proposed battery storage installation is expected to contribute to strengthening West Bengal’s electricity infrastructure by improving energy management and providing greater flexibility to the power distribution network.
Standalone battery energy storage systems can store electricity when supply is available and release it when demand increases. This capability helps utilities manage variations in electricity demand and supply more efficiently.
The Arambag project is expected to support grid stability and improve the management of electricity requirements. Such systems can also help address fluctuations in renewable power generation, particularly from solar and wind energy sources.
How Battery Energy Storage Systems Help the Power Grid
Battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important as India expands its renewable energy capacity. Since renewable energy generation can vary depending on weather conditions and the time of day, energy storage can help balance electricity supply and demand.
Key benefits of standalone BESS projects include:
- Energy storage and supply: Store surplus electricity and release it when required.
- Peak demand management: Help meet higher electricity demand during peak consumption hours.
- Grid stability: Support more balanced and reliable electricity supply.
- Renewable energy integration: Help manage variations in renewable power generation.
- Operational flexibility: Provide distribution utilities with additional options for managing electricity requirements.
By adding battery storage capacity, projects such as the one at Arambag can help improve the flexibility of the power system and support the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.
Project Awarded Through Competitive Bidding
The Arambag BESS project has been awarded under a tariff-based competitive bidding framework. Under this mechanism, developers compete for infrastructure projects based on specified technical and commercial requirements.
The process is designed to facilitate competitive project allocation and encourage participation in the development of energy infrastructure, including battery storage facilities.
The tender issued by the Department of Power, Government of West Bengal, on behalf of WBSEDCL covered standalone battery energy storage systems at multiple locations across the state. NIRL’s successful bid and subsequent receipt of the Letter of Award represent a further step in the company’s expansion into energy storage infrastructure.
Growing Role of Battery Storage in India’s Energy Transition
India’s continued expansion of renewable energy capacity is increasing the importance of energy storage solutions. Battery storage can help address the variability of renewable electricity generation while providing utilities with greater flexibility in managing power demand.
Standalone BESS projects are expected to complement conventional power generation and renewable energy sources by supporting efficient electricity management and grid reliability. The 50 MW/200 MWh project at Arambag adds to the development of battery storage infrastructure in West Bengal and highlights the growing participation of public sector enterprises in the country’s evolving energy storage sector.
About NLC India Limited
NLC India Limited is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Coal. The company operates in the mining and power generation sectors and is expanding its presence in renewable energy through its wholly owned subsidiary, NLC India Renewables Limited. The subsidiary focuses on renewable energy and related clean energy opportunities, including battery energy storage projects that can support the development of a more flexible and reliable electricity system.
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