GUVNL Initiates RfS For 200 MW/1,600 MWh Battery Energy Storage Project in Gujarat Phase V

The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) has initiated a Request for Selection (RfS) for the development of standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Gujarat. This project, under Phase V, involves the setup of 200 MW/1,600 MWh capacity BESS aimed at providing long-duration energy storage. The projects are set to operate on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. Key dates include the issuance of the RfS document on October 19, 2024, with detailed bid submission and e-auction processes to follow.

Developers are required to submit bids in a single-stage, two-envelope process, which includes both technical and financial components. The selection will be based on tariff-based competitive bidding, and successful bidders will enter into a Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) with GUVNL. The primary scope is to set up energy storage for “on-demand” usage, allowing for charging and discharging based on the state’s energy needs.

The estimated cost for participating includes several fees and guarantees. The document processing fee is set at ₹15 lakh plus 18% GST, and the earnest money deposit (EMD) stands at ₹14.4 lakh per MW, submitted as a bank guarantee. For those selected, a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of ₹36 lakh per MW must be provided before signing the BESPA.

The project is designed to be technology-agnostic, allowing developers to choose their preferred storage technology, provided it meets the technical requirements. The selected BESS should be connected to the Gujarat transmission grid, specifically to substations managed by the State Transmission Utility (STU). Connectivity must comply with local grid codes, with developers required to bear the costs for interconnection.

Pre-bid meetings are scheduled through video conferencing, where bidders can submit their queries to GUVNL. Developers must ensure their projects meet performance criteria, including availability, round-trip efficiency, and capacity degradation. The minimum system availability is set at 95%, and any shortfalls will result in liquidated damages, calculated based on the monthly capacity charges.

Commissioning of the BESS should occur within 24 months of signing the BESPA, with a grace period of nine months, after which delays will incur penalties. Part-commissioning is allowed, but the minimum initial capacity must be 50 MW or 50% of the total project capacity.

Please view the document here for more details.