Power Grid Corporation Of India Limited Invites Bids For 50 MW/100 MWh BESS Project In Punjab

In a major boost to energy storage development in North India, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has invited bids for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Punjab. The tender, issued under reference CC/T/W-MISC/DOM/A02/26/03064, is titled “Punjab-BESS-04” and focuses on strengthening the state’s power infrastructure.

The project involves setting up a 50 MW/100 MWh standalone battery storage facility in Ludhiana, Punjab. This installation is part of a larger plan to develop 500 MW/1000 MWh of standalone BESS capacity across the state. The initiative is aimed at improving grid reliability as Punjab increases its share of renewable energy such as solar and wind power.

The bidding process is being conducted through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route. Under this method, developers compete by offering the most competitive tariffs, ensuring transparency and cost efficiency. The final project cost will be determined through this competitive process. The tender has been categorized under the “Works” segment in the Power and Energy sector.

According to the official notification released on March 2, 2026, the tender value has been mentioned as zero. This indicates that the contract value will be decided based on the bids received. Interested bidders are required to pay a non-refundable tender fee of ₹25,000. However, the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) has been fixed at zero at this stage, which may encourage wider participation from qualified developers.

The timeline for the project is tight. Document sales started on March 2 and will remain open until March 15, 2026. Bidders must submit their soft copy proposals through the PRANIT Portal using RFX Number 5002005151. The last date and time for submission is 11:00 AM on March 17, 2026. The bids will be opened at 11:30 AM on the same day.

The project is being supervised by Ankit Vaishnav, Manager at POWERGRID’s headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. The Ludhiana BESS project is expected to play an important role in balancing electricity supply and demand in the region. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, battery storage systems become essential to manage fluctuations in generation.

Battery energy storage systems store excess electricity produced during low demand periods and release it during peak demand hours. This helps in providing firm power even when renewable generation is low. It also reduces the dependence on conventional fossil fuel-based power plants that are typically used during peak load periods.

With this tender, POWERGRID is offering a significant opportunity for both domestic and international companies to participate in India’s fast-growing energy storage market. The project aligns with the country’s broader clean energy targets and aims to ensure reliable 24/7 power supply while supporting the transition toward a more sustainable power system.