SJVN Invites Bids For 600 MW/2,400 MWh ESS Across India

SJVN, in coordination with the Renewable Energy Implementation Agency (REIA), has released a 1.2 GW tender for solar plus energy storage. The tender invites bids from Solar Power Developers (SPDs) to set up ISTS-connected Solar PV Power Projects with 600 MW/2,400 MWh Energy Storage Systems (ESS) anywhere in India under Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding on a Build, Own, Operate (BOO) basis. The last date for bid submission is October 22, 2024. The tender from SJVN follows immediately after SECI’s 2 GW Solar with 4 GWh ESS tender.

The tender document further states, “A bidder is expected to submit a single bid offering a minimum project capacity of 50 MW and a maximum quantum of 600 MW. However, for projects located in North-Eastern States and Special Categories, the minimum project capacity that can be offered by a bidder is 30 MW. The quoted project capacity must be in multiples of 10 MW.” Peak hours for the tender are 4 hours daily, (windows: 00-08Hrs and 17-00Hrs), minimum 1 Hour continuous discharge

Commissioning Period specified is 24 months from effective date of PPA. Delay in commissioning  beyond 6 months with PBG encashment, beyond that project truncation with penalties.

The tender follows the results of SECI’s latest 1 GW /2 GWh storage tender where it has attracted bids of Rs 3.81 per unit. With the solar component in case of SJVN,  final bids can be expected to challenge the SECI rates as well. 

In case of a shortfall,  penalty is at the rate of 1.5 times PPA rate of shortfall (energy).  On excess energy, the SPD is allowed to sell excess energy to any third party without separate NOC. If sold without meeting PPA requirements, SPD will be penalized @ 1.5 times for such instances

SJVN was recently conferred ‘Navratna’ status, which allows the central public sector undertaking (CPSE) to support major capital expenditure (CAPEX). It enables the company to make decisions and investment plans which can be taken faster at the board level. With the newly conferred powers, NHPC and SJVNL will have the autonomy to establish joint ventures overseas, access new markets, and leverage local expertise. Furthermore, it will foster innovation through technological alliances, strengthen market positioning, and facilitate mergers and acquisitions, leading to growth with an increased market share.