POWERGRID Invites Bids for Large Battery Power Storage Project in Punjab

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has invited bids to develop a large battery energy storage project in Patiala, Punjab, aimed at strengthening the electricity grid and supporting renewable energy integration. The project, called Punjab-BESS-02, will involve installing a standalone battery storage system with a capacity of 100 MW and 200 MWh. Patiala has been chosen as the site for the facility, which will store electricity and supply it back to the grid during periods of high demand.

The tender is part of a broader initiative to improve power infrastructure and enhance the reliability of the electricity network as the country increases its use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Battery energy storage systems help manage fluctuations in electricity generation by storing excess power when supply is high and releasing it when demand rises. This capability is especially important for renewable energy, where output can vary due to weather conditions.

The Patiala installation forms a portion of a larger programme planned for Punjab, which aims to develop around 500 MW and 1,000 MWh of standalone battery storage capacity across the state through a tariff-based competitive bidding process. The initiative is expected to attract developers who will compete to offer the most cost-effective solutions for building and operating the system.

Once operational, the battery storage facility will help balance electricity supply and demand, reduce pressure on conventional power plants, and ensure a more stable power grid. Projects like this are becoming increasingly important as India expands renewable energy capacity and works to maintain a reliable and flexible electricity system.