Coal India Invites EOI for 150 MW Solar EPC Project with Storage and Grid Linkage

Coal India Limited (CIL) intends to develop 150 MW of solar capacity co-located with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to seek inputs from EPC entities capable of delivering a complete EPC, including land acquisition/arrangement. 

The EoI tender also requires the player to provide grid connectivity up to the ISTS Delivery Point, enabling CIL to finalize an EPC Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) in alignment with SECI’s latest bidding framework. It has sought bids from bidders until September 15, 2025.

Through this tender, CIL plans to participate as a Solar Power Developer (SPD) under SECI’s tender for 1,200 MW solar projects with 600 MW/3,600 MWh ESS (SECI-ISTS-XXI), dated June 19, 2025, and similar upcoming tenders. Accordingly, CIL proposes to float an EPC tender on a strict back-to-back basis with the applicable SECI RfS/PPA terms.

Objective & Project Context

CIL issued this tender to identify EPC partners having credible land banks and demonstrated execution capabilities. Through its Request for Expression of Interest (REOI), CIL aims to support its proposed bids and subsequent project implementation on a back-to-back basis with SECI’s terms.

The EPC project under the scope of the tender will be packaged in suitable lots/locations aggregating to ~150 MW, subject to land/CTU readiness and SECI/Buying Entity requirements.

The bidder would be responsible for providing crystalline/thin-film PV technology with co-located BESS and also ensuring technology-agnostic compliance within SECI/PPA requirements.

The bidder would also be responsible for providing ISTS connection at a minimum of 220 kV and compliance with CERC/CEA grid codes, as well as CTU connectivity per GNA/Connectivity Regulations (latest). Additionally, the project would be expected to have a minimum ESS sizing of ≥0.5 MW/3 MWh for each 1 MW project capacity, aligned to SECI ISTS-XXI.

The EPC player is also expected to meet peak supply obligation design criteria, i.e., capability to deliver 3 MWh per MW during peak hours (6:00 PM–9:00 AM). Declared CUF and operating band are to be ensured by design and O&M strategy, in line with SECI RfS.