Uttarakhand’s state-owned power generation company, UJVN Ltd., has initiated a competitive bidding process for the development of 60 MW / 150 MWh of stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across the state. This initiative, aimed at strengthening grid reliability, improving power quality, and supporting renewable energy integration, will be implemented under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model with support from Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Power System Development Fund. The tender deadline for bids is 4:00 pm on February 25, 2026, with submissions to be made online via the state government’s e-procurement portal.The total storage capacity is divided into three packages, strategically located near existing hydroelectric stations to enhance grid balancing. Package 1, the largest, is in Dehradun District with a capacity of 30 MW / 75 MWh, located near the Dhakrani Hydroelectric Project. The tender value for this package is INR 1,709.8 million (approximately USD 18.89 million), with an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 15 million (approximately USD 165,570).
Package 2 is situated in Uttarkashi District, offering a capacity of 15 MW / 37.5 MWh near the Tiloth Hydroelectric Project. The tender value for this package is INR 854.5 million (approximately USD 9.43 million), and the EMD is INR 7.5 million (approximately USD 82,788).
The third package is located in Udham Singh Nagar District, also with a capacity of 15 MW / 37.5 MWh, near the Khatima Hydroelectric Project. This package shares the same tender value of INR 854.5 million (approximately USD 9.43 million) and an EMD of INR 7.5 million (approximately USD 82,788) as Package 2.
UJVN is employing a tariff-based competitive bidding mechanism to select private developers for these projects. The tender format is a Request for Proposal (RFP), and all bid submissions will be handled online through the state government’s e-procurement portal. The issuing authority for these tenders is the Office of the Executive Engineer (Solar), Dehradun. Bidders are encouraged to monitor the UJVN website and the state e-procurement platform for any updates, including addenda, technical clarifications, or schedule changes.
The strategic placement of battery storage systems near hydroelectric plants is a key aspect of this initiative. While hydropower is a renewable and flexible energy source, it can experience fluctuations due to varying water availability and demand. Large-scale battery systems are designed to address these challenges by absorbing surplus power during periods of low demand and discharging energy during peak demand. This capability is crucial for stabilizing grid frequency and voltage, thereby enabling better integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. This is particularly important for regions like Dehradun, which serves as a major administrative and economic hub and requires high levels of power reliability.
The project will operate under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model. Under this model, the selected private developers will be responsible for financing and constructing the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). They will also operate and maintain these facilities throughout the contract period. At the conclusion of the contract term, ownership of the BESS will be transferred back to UJVN. The government’s provision of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Power System Development Fund is intended to de-risk investments, thereby encouraging private sector participation in developing this strategically important infrastructure. This approach ensures that the long-term ownership of these critical assets remains with the public sector.
This tender represents a significant advancement in the modernization of Uttarakhand’s power sector. By investing in battery energy storage, the state is aligning itself with global trends focused on enhancing grid resilience, facilitating the integration of renewable energy, and improving peak load management. These efforts are fundamental to ensuring long-term energy security for the state. The successful execution of this project is expected to not only improve the reliability of electricity supply for residents but also to foster economic growth and promote sustainable development across Uttarakhand.
The bottom line is that UJVN’s 60 MW battery storage tender positions Uttarakhand at the forefront of grid-scale energy storage adoption in India. This initiative effectively combines public funding support with private sector expertise to future-proof the state’s power infrastructure.
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