NTPC REL Issues Tender for 2 GW/12 GWh ISTS-Connected Pumped Hydro Storage Solutions

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has issued a tender for the selection of developers to provide 2,000 MW / 12,000 MWh of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) connected Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) capacity. The procurement follows the “PHES as a Service” model, designed to support Round the Clock (RTC) renewable energy supply and meet peak power requirements.

Key Technical Specifications

• Total Capacity: 2,000 MW (Power) / 12,000 MWh (Energy Storage).
• Minimum Capacity Requirement: A minimum of 500 MW at a single location.
• Calculated Discharge Cycle: 6-hour discharge duration based on the 12,000 MWh/2,000 MW ratio.
• Charging Source: Energy Storage System (ESS) charging will be powered by NTPC REL’s renewable energy projects.

Location and Connectivity Framework

Projects may be located anywhere in India with connectivity established via the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). Grid integration and access are governed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) Regulations, 2022, as amended, with the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) designated as the nodal agency for General Network Access (GNA). Transmission charges are subject to the CERC (Sharing of Inter State Transmission Charges and Losses) Regulations, 2020, and the 4th Amendment dated 26.06.2025. Under this framework, Hydro Pumped Storage Plants are eligible for a 100% waiver of ISTS charges provided the construction work is awarded by June 30, 2028. This waiver is applicable for 25 years from the date of commissioning, a duration specific to hydro-based storage compared to the 12-year waiver period allocated to battery-based energy storage systems.

Commercial Model and Agreement Terms

Development Model: Projects will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.

Contract Type: NTPC REL will execute an Energy Storage Service Agreement (ESSA) with developers based on an annual fixed charge.

Contract Tenure: The agreement duration is set for 25 years.

Commissioning Timeline: Projects are expected to align with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) targets for Pumped Storage Project commissioning, which stipulate a four-year construction timeframe with a completion deadline of latest by 2030.

Administrative Milestones and Deadlines

The following schedule pertains to NIT No. NRE-CS-5846-004(PHES)-9:

The developer selection process will be conducted via online bidding followed by a Reverse Auction.