New Delhi: NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited, has invited international competitive bids for the procurement of 2,000 MW / 12,000 MWh of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) capacity under the service model.
The tender aims to support NTPC REL’s Round-the-Clock (RE-RTC) renewable energy commitments by integrating energy storage with its ISTS-connected in-house wind and solar power projects. The storage facilities will enable the company to avail of energy storage services on an on-demand basis.
The minimum capacity required at a single location is 500 MW / 3,000 MWh, while bidders can offer capacity of up to 2,000 MW, subject to the tender conditions. Projects can be developed at any location in India.
The selected bidder will enter into an Energy Storage Service Agreement (ESSA) with NTPC REL for 25 years on an annual fixed-charge basis.
NTPC REL PHES Tender: Key Highlights
The major details of the tender are as follows:
- Total storage capacity: 2,000 MW / 12,000 MWh.
- Minimum project capacity: 500 MW / 3,000 MWh at a single location.
- Project location: Anywhere in India.
- Procurement model: Energy Storage as a Service.
- Contract duration: 25 years.
- Minimum discharge duration: Six hours per cycle.
- Project completion timeline: Within 48 months of signing the ESSA.
- Bid submission deadline: November 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST.
- Technical bid opening: November 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM IST.
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): ₹10 lakh per MW, subject to applicable exemptions.
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Scope of Work Under NTPC REL’s Energy Storage Tender
Under the tender, NTPC REL intends to procure energy storage services through the service model to meet its RE-RTC commitments and complement its in-house wind and solar power projects connected to the Inter-State Transmission System.
The selected developers will be responsible for developing and providing the required pumped hydro energy storage facilities in accordance with the tender conditions.
The key requirements include:
- Development of ISTS-connected PHES facilities.
- A minimum project capacity of 500 MW / 3,000 MWh at one location.
- A maximum procurement requirement of 2,000 MW / 12,000 MWh.
- A minimum six-hour discharge duration per cycle.
- Availability of storage services on an on-demand basis.
- Integration of storage services with NTPC REL’s renewable energy portfolio.
The tender specifies that connectivity and transmission infrastructure up to the ISTS substation will fall within the bidder’s scope. Charging power, however, will be provided by NTPC REL.
25-Year Energy Storage Service Agreement
The selected bidder will be required to sign an Energy Storage Service Agreement with NTPC REL on an annual fixed-charge basis for a period of 25 years.
The ESSA must be signed within three months from the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA). The project must be completed within 48 months, or earlier, from the date of signing the agreement.
The long-term service arrangement is intended to provide NTPC REL with access to energy storage capacity to support its renewable energy supply commitments.
Bid Capacity, Tariff and Allocation Methodology
Bidders can offer a minimum capacity of 500 MW, with the overall procurement requirement capped at 2,000 MW. The minimum storage capacity associated with a 500 MW project is 3,000 MWh, based on the stipulated six-hour discharge duration.
The tender invites bids on an Indian rupees per MWh per year (INR/MWh/year) basis. Capacity will be allocated through a bucket-filling methodology, in accordance with the tender provisions.
The selected projects will provide storage services to complement NTPC REL’s renewable energy generation portfolio and support its Round-the-Clock power supply commitments.
NTPC REL Tender: Important Dates
The tender schedule announced by NTPC REL includes the following dates:
- Bid document availability: October 5 to October 19, 2026.
- Pre-bid conference: October 22, 2026.
- Last date for bid submission: November 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST.
- Technical bid opening: November 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM IST.
- Reverse auction: Date to be announced later.
Interested bidders must submit their bids within the specified deadline and comply with the technical and commercial requirements of the tender.
EMD Requirement and Exemption for Eligible MSEs
The tender stipulates an Earnest Money Deposit of ₹10 lakh per MW. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) holding valid Udyam registration are exempted from the EMD requirement, subject to the applicable tender conditions.
The EMD provision forms part of the bidding requirements for developers participating in the procurement process.
About NTPC Renewable Energy Limited
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) is a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited, the renewable energy arm of NTPC Limited. The company is engaged in developing renewable energy projects and supporting the expansion of clean energy capacity. Through initiatives such as energy storage procurement, NTPC REL aims to strengthen renewable energy integration and support reliable, round-the-clock power supply.
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