Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) has launched a tender for selection of developers to set up standalone battery energy systems (BESS) for an aggregate storage capacity of 1,000 MWh (500 MW x 2 hours) in Rajasthan. The BESS must support two cycles of complete charging and discharging per day.
The selected bidders will develop state transmission system-connected projects on a build-own-operate basis at RVUNL power generating stations across Rajasthan. RVUNL may allot additional capacity up to 500 MW/1,000 MWh under Green Shoe option.
RVUNL will enter into a battery energy storage purchase agreement with the successful bidders.
Projects selected under this RfS shall be eligible for central financial assistance in the form of viability gap funding (VGF). The VGF amount for each project shall be limited to INR 27 lakh/MWh or 30% of the BESS capital cost, whichever is lower.
The minimum bid size shall be 250 MWh, i.e., 125 MW x 2 hours. Land identification and allocation for projects will be under the scope of RVUNL. For every 125 MW/250 MWh BESS project, 17,500 sq. meter land will be allotted to the developer.
The project completion deadline is 18 months from the award of contract.