NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) has won a 50 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage project in West Bengal, securing the Letter of Award (LoA) from West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) for the proposed installation at Arambag in Hooghly district.
The project was awarded through a tariff-based competitive bidding process initiated by the Department of Power, Government of West Bengal, on behalf of WBSEDCL. NIRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited has emerged as the successful bidder for the standalone battery energy storage system (BESS).
NIRL Secures 50 MW/200 MWh Storage Project
The proposed installation combines a rated power capacity of 50 MW with an energy storage capacity of 200 MWh. These specifications correspond to four hours of discharge at the rated power output based on the stated capacity.
Battery energy storage systems allow electricity to be stored and discharged when required, making them an option for managing variations in power demand and supply. Their role becomes particularly relevant as electricity networks accommodate changing consumption patterns and a growing share of variable renewable generation. The Arambag award adds to NIRL’s activity in the energy storage segment.
Standalone Storage Gains Attention in India’s Power Sector
India’s expanding renewable energy capacity has increased the importance of managing when electricity is available, as well as how much is generated. Solar and wind output can vary with weather conditions, while consumer demand changes throughout the day. Battery storage can help address some of these variations by shifting electricity availability between different periods.
Standalone BESS projects are designed as dedicated storage assets, with their operation shaped by grid requirements and contractual arrangements. Their commercial and operational value depends on factors such as charging costs, dispatch schedules, utilization and connectivity to the electricity network.
West Bengal’s tender invited bids for standalone battery storage systems at multiple locations across the state. NIRL’s selection for the Arambag project marks the award of a 200 MWh installation under this procurement process.
