NTPC, India’s leading power generator, has issued a call for bids for the supply, installation, commissioning, and integration of a 600 kW/3000 kWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) storage system. The project will be implemented at the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) facility located in Greater Noida.
A Step Towards Enhanced Energy Storage This initiative is a significant step for NTPC in enhancing its energy storage capabilities and moving towards advancing renewable energy solutions. The implementation of the VRFB system will allow NTPC to store energy in liquid electrolytes, offering distinct advantages in terms of efficiency and longevity compared to conventional batteries.
Comprehensive Scope of Work The scope of work for this project includes various tasks such as design, detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, supply, erection, quality checks, and performance testing.
Important Dates and Bid Security Interested bidders are required to submit their bids by July 8, 2024. The bid opening is scheduled for the following day. To ensure seriousness and commitment, a bid security amounting to ?2 million (~$24,000) is mandatory for all bidders.
Qualification Criteria for Bidders Eligible bidders are required to demonstrate a proven track record in designing and commissioning VRFB systems with a cumulative capacity of 2400 kWh over the past ten years. Additionally, bidders should have at least one reference project with a minimum capacity of 400 kWh, which has been operational for at least six months prior to the bid opening date. Alternatively, bidders can opt for the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) route. In this case, they must partner with a qualified VRFB manufacturer and have completed grid-connected or off-grid solar-battery projects on an EPC basis within the last ten years. The reference project for EPC bidders should have a minimum value of ?114 million (~$1.43 million) and should have been operational for at least six months before the bid opening date.
Financial Criteria for Participation Bidders must meet specific financial criteria, including an average annual turnover of no less than ?143 million (~$1.79 million) over the preceding three financial years. Additionally, bidders must have a net worth of at least 100% of the paid-up share capital as of the last financial year’s end.
Previous Efforts and Commitment towards Sustainable Technologies This call for bids comes as a part of NTPC’s ongoing efforts to pioneer advanced energy storage solutions and integrate sustainable energy technologies into its operations. Recently, NTPC invited bids for the development of a 250 MW/500 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its thermal power stations in Gadarwara and Solapur. Furthermore, NTPC Renewable Energy awarded a contract to Jayram Industries India in December 2023 for the commissioning of a 250 kW/1,200 kWh BESS to support solar power projects at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat. These initiatives highlight NTPC’s commitment and contribution to the renewable energy sector, as well as its efforts to establish itself as a leader in advanced energy storage solutions. Through projects like the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery VRFB storage system, NTPC continues to drive innovation and champion sustainable energy solutions in India.
