NTPC is planning to develop a 56-megawatt (MW) floating solar power project combined with a 60 MW / 240 megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its North Karanpura facility. The scope of work is to be executed on a turnkey basis and includes design, engineering, supply, installation, commissioning, and maintenance services. The project aims to build a fully functional grid-connected floating solar PV system integrated with a large-scale BESS for enhanced energy reliability and grid stability.
The selected contractor will be responsible for all stages of the project, starting from design to installation and testing. This includes transportation, unloading, storage, and erection of all components. The BESS can be either AC or DC coupled, and bidders have the flexibility to choose the configuration best suited to their approach. The power evacuation system and its integration into the existing 220 kV switchyard are also within the bidder’s scope.
Each BESS container must have a minimum direct current (DC) capacity of 5 MWh and should comply with NFPA fire safety standards. The system should have a design life of 15 years, with daily single-cycle operation, and must meet strict annual performance parameters including discharge capacity and round-trip efficiency. The selected bidder must also undertake the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the BESS system for a full 15-year period from the completion of the trial run.
Grid compliance studies, reactive power compensation, and power quality compliance for the entire solar and BESS system are required up to the 220/400 kV interconnection point. The system must also include components such as Battery Management System (BMS), Energy Management System (EMS), SCADA, power conversion and protection systems, transformers, fire fighting systems, and auxiliary systems for seamless and safe operation. All electrical, mechanical, and civil works required for grid interfacing are part of the contract.
The project will follow Indian and international standards such as IS, IEC, and IEEE for design and safety. The floating solar PV segment must meet the latest technical guidelines issued by CEA, CERC, and LDC. Operation and maintenance of the floating solar and power evacuation systems will be carried out for five years post-commissioning.
The contractor is also expected to ensure a minimum guaranteed power generation from the floating solar plant and will be responsible for site grading, vegetation clearance, and provision of construction power and water. Construction of essential facilities such as control rooms, switchgear rooms, and security cabins is also included.
Additional responsibilities include providing design documentation, start-up and site acceptance plans, operator training, and supplying tools and special equipment needed for long-term project maintenance. A full warranty for the BESS and associated equipment must also be provided, ensuring the quality and reliability of the entire system. This project highlights NTPC’s commitment to innovative clean energy solutions combining solar energy with battery storage technology.
