NHPC Limited has successfully concluded the auction for setting up 1,200 MW of ISTS-connected solar power projects across India. These projects will be integrated with an energy storage system (ESS) of 600 MW/2,400 MWh under the Green Shoe Option. The competitive bidding process, initiated in March 2025 under NHPC-Tranche-XI-Solar with Storage (2024-25), aimed to select developers through a tariff-based online reverse auction.

The lowest tariff discovered during the auction was ₹3.13 per kWh. Reliance Infrastructure emerged as the highest bidder, winning 390 MW at the quoted tariff. Other successful bidders included JBM Renewables and PNC Infratech, each securing 300 MW, followed by SAEL Industries with 150 MW and Navayuga Engineering Company with 60 MW. Reliance Infrastructure secured the largest share among all winners.

According to the tender conditions, selected bidders must integrate an energy storage component of at least 0.5 MW/2 MWh for every 1 MW of solar capacity awarded. This is aimed at improving the reliability and flexibility of solar energy supplied to the grid.

The auction marks a significant step in NHPC’s effort to support India’s renewable energy expansion while incorporating storage solutions to stabilize supply and meet peak demand.