EESL Invites Bids for 50 MW Solar PV Plant and 10 MW/40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Odisha; Deadline June 30, 2026

Project Overview

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), acting as the Principal Implementing Agency, has announced a domestic competitive tender for a milestone hybrid renewable energy project on behalf of the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC).

The installation is sited at the IB Valley Thermal Power Station (IBTPS) in Banharpalli village, Jharsuguda, Odisha. The project will utilize approximately 130 acres of reclaimed land at the Earth-capped Ash Pond-B. The execution follows a full turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, tasking the developer with the comprehensive lifecycle of the asset from design through to final handover.

Technical Specifications: From Peak-Shaving to Grid-Shaping

This tender reflects a significant shift in Indian energy storage architecture. By opting for a 4-hour BESS duration, the project moves beyond simple peak-shaving to “grid-shaping,” specifically designed to manage the “duck curve” and the steep evening demand ramp that characterizes modern RE-heavy grids.

• Solar Capacity: 50 MW AC grid-connected solar PV plant.
• DC Capacity Requirement: Bidders must install a minimum of 61 MWp DC solar PV module capacity, a critical parameter for optimizing the DC-overloading ratio and ensuring consistent AC output.
• BESS Capacity: 10 MW / 40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (4-hour duration).
• Performance Metrics:
  • Discharge: 4-hour cycle at a full rated load of 10 MW.
  • Charging: 4–5 hour charging time at rated power.
• Operational Flexibility: Support for partial-load operation for 6–8 hours and extended charging durations (6–8 hours) based on solar availability.
• Lifecycle and Throughput: Designed for an operational life exceeding 12 years. Crucially, for degradation modeling, the total energy throughput is restricted to one full charge-discharge cycle per day.

Scope of Work and Infrastructure

The turnkey responsibility extends beyond simple installation, requiring the contractor to coordinate and guarantee the performance of all appointed subcontractors.

• Execution: Design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, transportation, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Insurance: Provision of comprehensive/all-risk insurance coverage maintained until the official handover of the asset.
• Post-Commissioning: Five years of comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) and warranty support.
• Control Infrastructure: Integration of SCADA, Power Plant Controller (PPC), and an Energy Management System (EMS).
• Grid Integration: Development of internal pooling systems and plant boundary evacuation interface facilities for seamless transmission.

Financial and Bidding Parameters

The contract price is fixed for five years from the Notification of Award (NoA) with no provision for escalation, emphasizing the need for robust risk management regarding Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and component price volatility.

Regulatory and Safety Compliance

Technical compliance is mandatory under the following frameworks:

• BIS Certification: All battery systems must be certified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
• Safety Standards: Adherence to Ministry of Power standards and the Draft CEA (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2025.
• Component Integrity: Absolute prohibition of refurbished or second-hand battery cells.
• Indigenous Development: The EMS application software must be developed indigenously within India to ensure cybersecurity and local control.

Key Deadlines and Timelines

TENDER PORTAL: https://www.tenderwizard.com

The project timeline is structured to meet aggressive state and national deployment targets.

Strategic Context: Policy and Market Dynamics

As India moves toward its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030, projects like the IBTPS hybrid plant are essential for delivering Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE).

• Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022: The state aims for a 36% renewable share by 2029.
• ISTS Charge Waiver Phasing: Bidders must account for the phased withdrawal of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waivers. Given the 18-month commissioning timeline (targeting late 2027), this project will likely attract 75% of applicable ISTS charges, representing only a 25% waiver.
• Supply Chain Considerations: Bidders face a complex landscape regarding the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) modules. With domestic cell capacity scaling toward 100 GW by late 2027, the demand pull from 4-hour BESS architectures—which double the cell requirement per MW compared to older 2-hour designs—will be a primary driver of the domestic market’s evolution.