New Delhi: NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) has emerged as the successful bidder for a 265 MW/530 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Haryana, awarded by SJVN Limited at a tariff of ₹2.35 lakh/MW/month.
SJVN acted as the Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) for the project, which is being implemented for Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL). The project is designed as a two-hour BESS system to support Haryana’s power requirements during peak and off-peak periods.
NIRL Wins 265 MW/530 MWh BESS Project
The BESS project has been divided into two components:
- Project-1: 250 MW/500 MWh
- Project-2: 15 MW/30 MWh
- Total capacity: 265 MW/530 MWh
- Discovered tariff: ₹2.35 lakh/MW/month
- Beneficiary: Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL)
- REIA: SJVN Limited
The tender was issued in July 2026 and the project was awarded approximately one month later.
Under the arrangement, NIRL will procure and make the BESS capacity available to UHBVNL on an “on-demand” basis to meet its peak and off-peak electricity requirements.
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Several BESS Developers Participated in Tender
The tender attracted participation from several companies operating in the battery energy storage segment.
Other bidders included:
- Rama Reflection India
- SolarWorld Energy
- Pace Digitek Ltd
- Sun Drop Energia Ltd
- Oriana Power Ltd
However, these bidders did not make it to the final selection, with NIRL emerging as the successful bidder for the project.
BESS Tariff Higher Than SJVN’s Earlier Haryana Project
The tariff discovered for the latest project is higher than the tariff recorded in SJVN’s earlier standalone BESS tender in Haryana.
SJVN had previously awarded a 250 MW/500 MWh BESS project in Panipat, Haryana, to Hardi Hydro Energy Pvt Ltd at a tariff of ₹1.97 lakh/MW/month.
In comparison:
- Earlier SJVN Panipat BESS: 250 MW/500 MWh — ₹1.97 lakh/MW/month
- Latest SJVN Haryana BESS: 265 MW/530 MWh — ₹2.35 lakh/MW/month
The latest tariff is also below tariffs discovered in certain MSEDCL BESS tenders, where projects were awarded to Oriana and GK Energy at tariffs of around ₹2.38 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh/MW/month.
Project to Support Haryana’s Power Requirements
Under the scope of the tender, NIRL will provide the BESS capacity to UHBVNL for use on an on-demand basis.
The storage system will help the distribution utility manage electricity requirements during different demand periods, including peak and off-peak hours.
The two-hour storage configuration will enable the system to store electricity and make the stored power available when required, supporting the state’s power management requirements.
BESS Project Backed by Viability Gap Funding
The project is supported through the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism.
The funding structure includes:
- VGF support of up to ₹18 lakh/MWh
- VGF capped at 30% of the capital cost, as applicable
- Grant provided as a one-time, non-recurring expenditure
- Funding through the Power System Development Fund (PSDF)
For Project-2, comprising 15 MW/30 MWh, VGF support will be provided under the State Component of the VGF Scheme.
The funding has been earmarked for a cumulative 30 MWh BESS capacity allocated to Haryana. Developers will be eligible for VGF of up to ₹18 lakh/MWh or 30% of the capital cost, whichever is applicable.
NLC India Expands Presence in Energy Storage
The award strengthens NLC India’s presence in the emerging energy storage segment through its renewable energy arm, NIRL. Large-scale BESS projects are increasingly being deployed to improve grid flexibility and help utilities manage changing electricity demand.
The Haryana project will add 265 MW/530 MWh of standalone battery storage capacity and support the state’s electricity distribution requirements through an on-demand storage arrangement.
About NLC India
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. The company is engaged in mining and power generation and has been expanding its presence in renewable energy and other emerging energy solutions through its subsidiaries and group companies, including NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL).
About SJVN Limited
SJVN Limited is a public sector power company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The company is involved in developing and operating power projects across renewable and conventional energy segments and has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
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