Coal India Invites EOI for 150 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Projects with Battery Storage

Coal India Ltd.(CIL), a ‘Maharatna’ PSU under the Ministry of Coal, has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of 150 MW of ISTS-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The move aligns with CIL’s plans to participate as a Solar Power Developer under SECI’s 1,200 MW ISTS-connected solar PV tender (SECI-ISTS-XXI) and upcoming projects.The EOI invites reputed EPC firms capable of delivering complete turnkey solutions, including land acquisition and grid connectivity up to the ISTS delivery point. CIL aims to finalise an EPC tender strictly back-to-back with SECI’s RfS/PPA terms, ensuring compliance with technical and contractual obligations.

The proposed EPC scope includes detailed engineering, supply, civil works, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar PV plant, co-located BESS, plant-level SCADA/EMS/WAMS, metering and protection systems, pooling substation, and transmission line up to the ISTS interconnection point. EPC bidders are required to possess minimum contiguous land capacity sufficient for the full 150 MW development and secure CTU/ISTS connectivity.

BESS sizing must meet SECI ISTS-XXI requirements, with a minimum of 0.5 MW/3 MWh per 1 MW solar capacity, capable of supplying 3 MWh per MW during peak hours. Design and O&M strategies must ensure compliance with declared CUF bands, forecasting, and scheduling obligations.

CIL has requested detailed information from applicants, including company credentials, land bank details, CTU connectivity plans, financial information, cost estimates including GST, ALMM compliance plans, and project schedules. Applicants must also provide suggestions on risk allocation, packaging, and EPC NIT design.

The EOI is part of CIL’s preliminary process to gather inputs for finalising the EPC tender and does not constitute a financial commitment. All submissions are to be made via CIL’s e-Tender portal, with strict adherence to revised GST rates on renewable energy devices and components, as per the 56th GST Council recommendation.