Odisha launches tender for 500 MW / 2,500 MWh energy storage systems

India's eastern state of Odisha has invited tenders for 500 MW of energy storage capacity with five hours of peak support for a period of five years. That translates into 2,500 MWh (500 MW x 5 hours).

The tender, issued by the state transmission company GRIDCO (formerly Grid Corporation of Odisha), is technology-agnostic on the energy storage system (ESS). However, the developer will be responsible for suppling the power to charge the system. Power supply will have to commence from April 1, 2026, GRIDCO said.

Companies can bid for a minimum of 250 MWh (50 MW x 5 hours), and a maximum of 1,250 MWh (250 MW x 5 hours). The award will be carried out through tariff-based competitive bidding followed by a reverse auction process electronically.

Besides setting up the ESS, the developer will be required to set up interconnection with the central or state transmission utility as well. In its tender document, GRIDCO mentions that projects under construction or projects which are not yet commissioned will also be considered "in case adequate capacities are available … to meet GRIDCO's requirement".

Odisha is looking to generate 43 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2030, in line with the central government, which is targeting a similar percentage of RE in its energy mix. The energy storage tender will also help the state meet obligations issued by the Union ministry of power mandating up to four percent energy storage obligation by 2030.

In November last year, the state green-lighted several green hydrogen and green ammonia projects as part of its industrial push.