Haryana DISCOMs Release RfS for Four 2.5 MW/5 MWh Grid-Interactive Standalone BESS Projects

Haryana has invited bids for the development of four Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW/5 MWh, adding up to 10 MW/20 MWh in total.

The installations will be located at 33 kV substations under DHBVNL and UHBVNL, with interconnection planned at the 11 kV level. Land for the projects will be leased by the discoms at a nominal rate of INR 1 per plot per year, though ownership will remain with the utilities. The contract period is fixed at twelve years.

Under the scope of work, the developer will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the systems. While the tender is technology-agnostic, developers must adhere to performance standards laid out under Clause 9 of the RfS. The project also requires deployment of indigenous energy management software that is cyber-secure and IEC 104 compliant. Safety and reliability are emphasised through mandatory provisions for fire suppression systems, CCTV surveillance, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The developer will also operate and maintain the systems for the entire twelve-year term. This includes routine servicing, preventive measures, and rapid response to breakdowns within twelve hours. Compliance with environmental regulations is mandatory, with battery disposal to be carried out in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Rules of 2016 and the Battery Waste Management Rules of 2022. Transmission-related expenses up to the point of interconnection, including wheeling charges, SLDC fees, and losses, will be borne by the developer.

Bidders are required to demonstrate proven technical and financial capability. On the technical side, they must show evidence of supplying and installing at least 20 MWh of grid-interactive BESS for Indian utilities, operational for a minimum of six months. Financially, the requirements include a net worth of not less than INR 5 crore, an annual turnover of at least INR 50 crore in any of the last three financial years, and liquid assets of INR 25 crore after deducting 20 percent of current commitments.

Eligible entities include Indian and foreign companies, SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, or consortia with up to three members. LLPs are not permitted to participate. Foreign companies must establish an Indian special purpose vehicle with a majority shareholding of 51 percent prior to signing the agreement. In the case of consortia, the lead member must hold a controlling stake of at least 51 percent. Blacklisted or defaulting entities are barred from bidding, and entities from countries sharing land borders with India will require prior approval from the Competent Authority, in line with Ministry of Finance guidelines issued in 2020.

The financial framework of the tender stipulates that developers must contribute at least 30 percent equity towards project costs. They will also be required to provide performance bank guarantees as detailed in the RfS. Financial submissions must be supported by audited accounts for the last three years, although provisional statements will be accepted where audits remain pending. Among other conditions, assets are to be handed back to the discoms in their existing condition after twelve years, the systems must comply with IEC 62933-3 performance standards, subcontracting is prohibited, and a pre-bid site survey must be carried out at the bidder’s expense.

The selection process involves submission of technical, financial, and eligibility documents in prescribed formats. Only those clearing the technical stage will have their financial bids evaluated. The complete tender is contained that outlines in detail the performance guarantees, penalties for non-compliance, and terms of the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement.

By floating this tender, Haryana seeks to advance its energy storage agenda in line with the state’s EV Policy of 2022 and the national storage guidelines. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for further large-scale storage deployments, while also opening the door for developers to access potential incentives, including viability gap funding, under India’s evolving clean energy framework.

It may be mentioned that ​​​​in its latest report on the role of storage in India’s energy mix, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has highlighted pumped hydro storage systems (PSPs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as the two commercially viable options for meeting the country’s growing storage requirements.

According to the study, battery storage is expected to gain prominence from 2027-28 onwards, with a projected capacity of 8,680 MW/34,720 MWh (based on four-hour storage duration) anticipated as part of India’s installed capacity during 2022-27. This will complement an additional 7,446 MW of pumped hydro storage, which is also envisaged to play a significant role in strengthening India’s grid during the same period.