Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has issued a tender inviting bids for the development of a large-scale battery energy storage project in Punjab aimed at strengthening grid stability and enabling greater integration of renewable energy. The project, titled “Punjab-BESS-01-Patiala,” involves the deployment of a 500 MW / 1000 MWh Standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and has been issued under tender reference number CC/T/W-MISC/DOM/A10/26/03156.
The project will be implemented through the Tariff-Based Global Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mechanism, a widely used framework in India’s power sector that promotes transparency and cost efficiency in infrastructure development. Under this model, developers compete by offering competitive tariffs, ensuring that the project is executed at an optimal cost while meeting technical and operational standards.
The proposed battery energy storage system is expected to play a critical role in supporting the growing integration of renewable energy into the regional grid. As India continues to expand its solar and wind capacity, the role of energy storage has become increasingly important in addressing the intermittency associated with renewable generation. Battery energy storage systems help maintain grid balance by storing excess electricity during periods of high generation and supplying power when demand rises or renewable output declines.
Once operational, the 1000 MWh BESS facility in Patiala is expected to enhance grid flexibility and reliability across the region. By enabling the storage of surplus renewable electricity and supplying it during peak demand periods, the project will help maintain a stable and continuous power supply for both industrial and residential consumers in Punjab. Such infrastructure is increasingly becoming a key component of India’s strategy to ensure grid stability while scaling up renewable energy deployment.
Interested bidders can access the tender documentation through the PRANIT Portal under RFX Number 5002005165. The tender has been categorized as an open tender for works within the power and energy sector. While the project will be located in Punjab, the bidding process is being administered from POWERGRID’s corporate office in **Gurugram, Haryana.
According to the tender summary, the project currently does not specify an upfront tender fee or Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), both listed as zero at the initial stage. However, developers are advised to review the detailed tender documents and pre-qualification requirements available on the portal. These documents are expected to outline specific conditions related to the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG), which is typically required for projects of this scale to ensure that the selected developer fulfills construction and operational commitments.
The bidding process officially commenced on March 6, 2026, with the sale of tender documents and submission of bids beginning on the same date. The document sale window will remain open until March 18, 2026, while the deadline for bid submission is March 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The bid opening is scheduled for March 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM.
The tender process is being overseen by Prashant Verma, Engineer (CS) at the POWERGRID corporate office. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly strengthen Punjab’s power infrastructure while supporting India’s broader clean energy transition by facilitating more reliable integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
