NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN) has announced a request for selection (RfS) for the establishment of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Rajasthan, designed to have a total capacity of 1,000 MWh (500 MW for 2 hours). This initiative will be supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and is intended for ‘on-demand’ usage through a tariff-based competitive bidding process. The deadline for bid submissions is set for March 31, 2025.
The RfS outlines that the selected developers will operate under a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model. The primary goal is to provide NVVN with access to the energy storage facility for charging and discharging on demand. The responsibilities of the developers will include the installation of the BESS and its integration with the State Transmission Utility (STU) network, which involves the construction of necessary infrastructure.
A total of 2,000 MWh of cumulative BESS capacity has been designated for VGF support, to be distributed across multiple phases. According to the RfS document, the VGF amount available for each developer is capped at INR 27 lakh per MWh or 30% of the total project capital cost, whichever is lower.
Bidders are required to pay INR 22,500 for the RfS document and submit a document processing fee of INR 15 lakh (plus GST). Additionally, an earnest money deposit (EMD) of INR 6.82 lakh per MW is also required. Successful bidders must provide a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of INR 17.05 lakh per MW before signing the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA).
The minimum bid size is set at 100 MWh (equivalent to 50 MW for 2 hours), with each designated location allowing a maximum capacity of 125 MW (or 250 MWh). Bids may be submitted in increments of 25 MW or 50 MWh. The RfS stipulates that each bidder, including any parent or affiliated companies, may submit a single bid that offers either a single project or multiple projects within a total capacity of 250 MW (500 MWh).
For each project of 125 MW/250 MWh, a land area of 17,500 sq. m. (1.75 hectares) will be allocated to the developer. The RfS does not limit the technology for the battery storage system, allowing bidders to choose their preferred solutions.
Regarding financial eligibility, bidders must have a net worth of at least INR 68.20 lakh per MW of the quoted capacity (or INR 34.10 lakh per MWh) as of the last day of the previous financial year prior to the opening of the techno-commercial bids. Additionally, the company must demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of INR 2.27 crore per MW of the quoted capacity for the same financial year.
The opening of techno-commercial bids is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/nvvn-issues-tender-for-500-mw-1000-mwh-battery-energy-storage-projects-in-rajasthan/
