NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited, has invited bids for the development of large-scale Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) projects across India. The company has issued an abridged Invitation for Bids (IFB) under a domestic competitive bidding process to procure a total storage capacity of 2,000 MW / 12,000 MWh.
The proposed projects will be connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and can be located anywhere in the country. However, each project site must have a minimum capacity of 500 MW. The initiative is aimed at supporting NTPC REL’s round-the-clock renewable energy supply commitments by providing reliable energy storage solutions.
Under the proposed “PHES as a Service” model, NTPC REL will provide charging power from its own solar and wind energy projects. This renewable energy will be used to charge the pumped hydro storage facilities. The stored energy will then be supplied back to NTPC REL whenever required, helping the company meet power demand during peak and off-peak hours. The selected developers will be responsible for operating and maintaining the storage facilities throughout the project period.
The bidding opportunity is open to commissioned projects, projects currently under construction, and new developments. However, new or partially completed projects must already possess all required statutory approvals and an approved Detailed Project Report (DPR). Each facility must be capable of providing a minimum discharge duration of six hours in a single cycle.
Developer selection will be carried out through a Single Stage Two Envelope bidding process conducted online, followed by a reverse auction. Capacity allocation will be based on a bucket-filling method, where bids will be evaluated according to the annual fixed charge quoted in Indian Rupees per MWh per year.
Following the bidding process, NTPC REL plans to sign long-term Energy Storage Service Agreements with successful bidders for a period of 25 years. The agreement is expected to be executed within three months from the issuance of the Letter of Award. Developers will have up to 48 months from the agreement signing date to complete the project and make the storage facility operational.
The developer will also be responsible for establishing connectivity and transmission infrastructure up to the ISTS substation. Metering arrangements for performance evaluation, efficiency measurement, and liquidated damages will be carried out at the interconnection point with the ISTS network.
According to the bidding schedule, the abridged notification was issued on May 29, 2026. The document sale period will close on July 6, 2026. Bid submissions are due by July 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST, while techno-commercial bids will be opened on the same day at 3:30 PM IST. Details regarding the Earnest Money Deposit and Performance Bank Guarantee will be provided in the detailed RfS documents.
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