NHPC is offering 800 MW of BESS capacity with either 4,800 MWh or 3,200 MWh of energy storage, linked to different solar scheduling capacities
The selected developer will procure the entire 2,419 MU of annual solar generation from the Jalaun Solar Park for integration with battery storage
The BESS will be developed at four locations near three pooling substations under a BOO model
NHPC Limited has invited bids to develop a battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated with the 1.2 GW Jalaun Solar Park in Uttar Pradesh. The project aims to combine existing solar generation with battery storage to supply firm and dispatchable power during solar and non-solar hours.
NHPC has issued the request for selection (RfS) on behalf of Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited (BSUL), a joint venture between NHPC and the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).
BSUL is developing the 1.2 GW Jalaun Solar Park in Jalaun district. It selected Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Renewables Limited to implement the solar generation capacity (see India Solar PV News Snippets).
The solar park is expected to generate 2,419 million units (MU) of electricity annually. Under the proposed arrangement, the selected BESS developer will procure the entire solar power generated by the existing plants, use it to charge the batteries, and schedule solar-plus-storage electricity for delivery to the designated procurer.
The tender offers two configuration options under a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process. Under Configuration I, developers will schedule 300 MW of solar power during solar hours and provide 800 MW of battery storage capacity, equivalent to 4,800 MWh, during non-solar hours.
Configuration II involves scheduling 600 MW of solar power during solar hours, supported by 800 MW of battery storage capacity with an energy capacity of 3,200 MWh.
Developers can bid for either or both configurations. The final configuration will depend on the buying entity's requirements. The bidding will be based on a composite solar-plus-BESS tariff.
The total capacity allocated to a bidder, including its parent, affiliate, or group companies, will be capped at 50% of the contracted capacity. Allocation will also be limited to a maximum of two project locations.
The storage infrastructure will be developed across four locations near three 33/400 kV pooling substations around Jalaun Solar Park. The selected developer will supply electricity to the designated delivery point at the 765/400 kV substation of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), using the power evacuation infrastructure developed by BSUL.
The BESS projects will be implemented on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis. The tender is technology-agnostic within the battery energy storage segment. Developers will also be responsible for obtaining the necessary approvals, permits, and clearances for setting up the storage projects and associated dedicated transmission infrastructure.
The selected developer will have 18 months from the effective date of the power purchase agreement (PPA) to complete the project.
NHPC launched the call on November 4, 2026. It will accept proposals till December 15, 2026. Details are available on its website.