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NTPC Seeks Proposals for Up to 1 GWh Compressed Air–Based Long-Duration Energy Storage Projects
Jan 26, 2026
NTPC has issued an expression of interest (EoI) to explore the development of pilot or utility-scale long-duration energy storage (LDES) projects based on compressed air and liquefied air technologies, with storage capacity of up to 1,000 MWh.
The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is February 23, 2026, and the bids will be opened on the following day. NTPC has clarified that no earnest money deposit or bank guarantee is required at the EoI stage.
According to the company, the primary objective of the EoI is to assess the current market scenario, technology maturity, technical performance, and operational characteristics of compressed air-based LDES solutions. NTPC also aims to evaluate their techno-commercial feasibility for deployment under Indian grid conditions and site-specific requirements.
Long-duration energy storage systems are designed for extended discharge periods of eight hours or more, making them suitable for managing surplus renewable energy during daytime solar generation. These systems can also provide sustained discharge to meet evening peak demand and supply power during prolonged non-solar periods, challenges that cannot be effectively addressed by short-duration storage technologies.
NTPC indicated that pilot project implementation may be considered under multiple development models, depending on the commercial and technical viability of the proposed solutions. These include execution on an EPC plus operations and maintenance (O&M) basis, where NTPC retains ownership while the contractor handles construction and operations for a defined period.
Other models under consideration include the build-own-operate (BOO) framework, where the developer finances, owns, and operates the project while supplying storage services to NTPC under a long-term agreement, and the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, under which the asset is transferred to NTPC after a concession period. A shared or hybrid structure, involving joint investment, ownership, or operational responsibilities, may also be explored.
NTPC further stated that while intellectual property related to the core technology will remain with the technology provider, any intellectual property developed during pilot or utility-scale deployment could be jointly owned with NTPC, depending on the technology readiness level and funding structure.