Coal India Limited (CIL), on behalf of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), has invited bids for the turnkey development of an 80 MW / 320 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Odisha. The project is part of CIL’s broader renewable energy expansion plan, under which the company is targeting a cumulative renewable energy capacity of 5 GW by 2028-29.
The BESS project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis at four designated grid substations operated by Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL). These locations include Padampur, New Bolangir, Bhatli, and Basta. Each site will have a storage capacity of 20 MW / 80 MWh, resulting in a total installed capacity of 80 MW / 320 MWh.
The project will be divided into two clusters, with each cluster having 40 MW / 160 MWh of capacity. The storage systems are intended to support GRIDCO Limited in managing peak electricity demand, improving grid stability, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the power system.
Under the tender, the selected EPC contractor will be responsible for the complete development of the project under a lump-sum turnkey model. The scope will include detailed design and engineering, manufacturing and supply of equipment, civil works, installation, testing, and commissioning. The contractor will also be required to develop 33 kV switchyard evacuation bays and underground cable systems.
In addition, the selected contractor will provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for 15 years. The O&M period will begin after successful completion of the Performance Guarantee (PG) tests for the respective BESS cluster.
The tender requires bidders to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹50 lakh through online payment modes, including net banking or NEFT/RTGS. Eligible bidders must have an average annual financial turnover of at least ₹119.076 crore during the three financial years ending March 31, 2026. A minimum net worth of ₹59.538 crore as of March 31, 2026, is also required.
The Notice Inviting Tender was issued on September 14, 2026. The complete project is required to be commissioned within 11 months from the date of the Letter of Award or the handing over of land, whichever is later. The bid validity period is 180 days from the final submission deadline.
The tender will follow a single-stage, two-part online bidding process. Eligible bidders can participate individually or through Joint Ventures comprising up to three members. Technical qualification can be established through routes covering battery manufacturing, BESS integration, or execution of grid-connected power projects. Purchase preference will also be applicable to Class-I local suppliers under the Government of India’s Make in India framework.
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