NTPC Tenders 1.7 GW BESS Across Thermal Stations Nationwide India

• NTPC invites EPC bids for 1,700 MW/4,000 MWh of battery storage across 11 thermal stations, split into two phases, with bids due by September 19 and a 12-year O&M term.

India’s state-run generator NTPC Ltd has launched an EPC tender for one of the country’s largest battery rollouts to date—1,700 MW/4,000 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to be installed across its fleet of thermal power stations. According to the Invitation for Bids, submissions are due by September 19.

NTPC plans to execute the programme in two tranches: an initial 300 MW/1,200 MWh phase followed by a much larger 1,400 MW/2,800 MWh build-out. In total, the capacity will be distributed across 11 locations, with each installation integrated into existing plant infrastructure. The systems are specified for two full charge–discharge cycles per day and a 12-year operating period, underscoring the utility’s intent to deploy assets capable of daily peak shaving, renewable integration, and grid-balancing duties.

The scope of work extends beyond batteries and enclosures. NTPC’s tender covers a full power conversion system, plus an energy management platform and SCADA for real-time monitoring and dispatch. Winning contractors will also be responsible for a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for 12 years from the commissioning date. Performance requirements call for each BESS to meet rated capacity at commissioning and maintain it through the first year of operation.

By colocating storage with thermal assets, NTPC can leverage robust grid interconnections and existing land, accelerating deployment while reducing balance-of-plant complexity. Strategically, marrying batteries to conventional stations enables more flexible operations—allowing plants to run at steadier load factors while batteries handle ramps, frequency control, and evening peaks. Over time, such hybrids can cut fuel burn, lower emissions intensity per kWh, and improve system reliability as variable wind and solar gain share on the grid.

The tender’s scale and multi-site structure signal a maturing Indian storage market, with EPCs expected to bring bankable technology stacks, standardised designs, and proven O&M programs. With daily cycling specified from day one, suppliers will need to optimise for lifecycle costs, warranty-backed performance, and integration finesse at brownfield sites.