NTPC Limited has issued a domestic competitive tender for site enabling works related to a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station in Visakhapatnam.
The tender will follow a single-stage, two-envelope bidding process, requiring submission of separate Techno-Commercial and Price Bids. The scope of work primarily includes site preparation activities necessary prior to the installation of the BESS infrastructure.
Three-Month Execution Timeline
NTPC has specified a strict completion timeline of three months from the date of commencement, signaling its intent to fast-track the preparatory phase of the storage project. Notably, no specific qualifying requirements or defect liability period have been prescribed for this package.
Financial and Compliance Provisions
While the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) has been set at Nil, bidders are required to submit a valid Bid Security. For bid security amounts up to ₹1 lakh, payments must be made online through NTPC’s e-procurement portal. For higher amounts, bidders may furnish a Bank Guarantee or an Insurance Surety Bond.
The Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) or Security Deposit has been fixed at 5% of the total contract value. The contract will be awarded on a fixed-price basis, with no price variation clause during the execution period.
The tender is open exclusively to Class-I local suppliers, in line with domestic procurement norms. Bidders must confirm local value addition within India through the tendering portal. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) may claim benefits such as purchase preference and EMD exemption upon submission of a valid Udyam Registration Certificate, though such benefits do not extend to works contracts or traders.
Advancing Grid-Scale Energy Storage
The BESS installation at the Simhadri plant in Andhra Pradesh is expected to support grid stability, enhance renewable energy integration, and strengthen peak load management capabilities.
Key bid submission and opening dates are scheduled for 25 February 2026 and 26 February 2026, respectively. NTPC has also mandated the use of the Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) procedure for Bank Guarantees, with ICICI Bank Limited, Connaught Place Branch, New Delhi, designated as the beneficiary bank.
The tender marks another step in NTPC’s ongoing efforts to expand battery energy storage infrastructure to support India’s evolving power system requirements.
