POWERGRID Issues Tender for 100 MW/200 MWh Battery Storage Project in Punjab

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) has issued a tender for setting up a 100 MW/200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its 220 kV Bhatinda substation in Punjab, as part of efforts to strengthen grid stability and integrate renewable energy.

The project forms part of the larger 250 MW/500 MWh standalone BESS programme in Punjab, which is being implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support through the Power System Development Fund (PSDF) on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.

POWERGRID is participating in the tariff bidding process being conducted by Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) and will act as the Battery Energy Storage System Developer (BESSD) if it emerges as the successful bidder in the main project.

According to the tender document, the scope of work includes the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of battery systems, power conversion systems (PCS), associated transformers and medium-voltage interconnections at the substation. The project is scheduled to be completed within 15 months, followed by 12 years of comprehensive operation and maintenance.

The last date for submission of bids is March 17, 2026, with bid opening scheduled on the same day.

To qualify, bidders must demonstrate prior experience in grid-connected battery storage systems, large solar or wind power projects, or high-voltage substation works. Financial eligibility criteria include a minimum average annual turnover of INR 236.41 crore and liquid assets of INR 39.40 crore.