NTPC REL Invites Bids for 2,000 MW/12,000 MWh Pumped Hydro Storage

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. (NTPC REL) has invited bids to procure 2,000 MW/12,000 MWh of ISTS-connected pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) under a service model, with a minimum capacity requirement of 500 MW/3,000 MWh at a single location anywhere in India.

The tender seeks pumped hydro storage capacity to support NTPC REL’s renewable energy round-the-clock (RE-RTC) commitments by complementing its in-house wind and solar projects.

Under the tender, bidders can offer capacities ranging from a minimum of 500 MW up to 2,000 MW, with a minimum single-cycle discharge duration of six hours. Existing, under-construction and newly conceptualised projects can participate, subject to specified approvals and availability of the quoted capacity for 25 years.

NTPC REL will use the storage facility on an on-demand basis during peak and off-peak hours. Power generated from NTPC or NTPC REL renewable-energy projects will be used to charge the storage system.

The selected bidders will provide the storage capacity under an energy storage service agreement on an annual fixed-charge basis for 25 years. The bidding will follow a global competitive bidding process conducted online, followed by a reverse auction.

The project is required to be completed within 48 months or earlier from the signing of the energy storage service agreement. The agreement is to be signed within three months of issuance of the Letter of Award.

The proposed PHES projects can be located anywhere in India and must be ISTS-connected. Connectivity and transmission up to the ISTS substation will be the responsibility of the PHES bidder, while NTPC REL will provide the input or charging power. Operation and maintenance of the PHES facility will also remain with the bidder.

Bids must be submitted by November 3, 2026, with technical bids scheduled to open on the same day. The reverse-auction date will be intimated separately by NTPC REL.

The tender requires an earnest money deposit calculated at INR 10 lakh per MW, subject to the exemptions specified for eligible micro and small enterprises.