NTPC REL Invites Bids for 1000 MWh Bikaner Solar BESS Project

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NTPC REL) has issued an invitation for online bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Bikaner Solar Plant. The bidding is being conducted on a Single Stage Two Envelope basis, comprising a techno-commercial bid and a price bid, followed by a reverse auction.

The project involves the development of a single block with a capacity of 250 MW / 1000 MWh, designed for a four-hour discharge cycle. Bidders are required to undertake complete turnkey responsibilities, including design, engineering, supply, transportation, installation, commissioning, and integration of the BESS with the existing 33 kV solar plant infrastructure. The system is expected to have a design life of 25 years, with batteries rated for a minimum of 10,000 cycles, and a minimum dispatchable capacity guarantee of 92 percent over 15 years.

The scope also covers comprehensive operations and maintenance for 15 years, including insurance, reactive power compensation, auxiliary supply, emergency grid failure provisions, and full compliance with CEA, CERC, and LDC guidelines. Bidders are responsible for hybrid Energy Management System (EMS) integration to optimise BESS and solar plant operations and for providing training, tools, and documentation for smooth handover.

Eligible bidders must meet technical and financial criteria. Technically, they should have experience in supplying, installing, and commissioning grid-interactive BESS of at least 80 MWh cumulative capacity, with one reference project of at least 20 MWh in successful operation for six months, or equivalent experience in solar or wind projects. Financially, the bidder’s average annual turnover in the last three years should not be less than INR 1530 million, with a net worth of at least 100 percent of paid-up share capital. In cases where bidders do not meet financial criteria individually, support from holding or group companies is permissible under specific undertakings.

The bidding documents can be downloaded from the e-tender portal. The IFB date is February 6, 2026, with the download window open from February 12, 2026, to February 23, 2026. The pre-bid conference and last date for queries is February 25, 2026. Techno-commercial and price bids must be submitted by March 11, 2026, with opening of techno-commercial bids at the same day.

Bid security is mandatory and has been set at INR 20 crore for Indian bidders and USD 2,171,100 for foreign bidders. Bidders must also submit a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement before downloading the bidding documents. The tender is open to all qualified bidders, subject to applicable regulations for companies from countries sharing a land border with India. NTPC REL reserves the right to reject any or all bids without assigning any reason.

Interested bidders may refer the document for more details.