NTPC Issues EoI for 1-GWh Air-Based LDES Project

NTPC has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a compressed air–based, including liquefied air–based, Long Duration Energy Storage System (LDES), with submissions open until February 23, 2026.

The EoI aims to develop a proposed 200 MWh (25 MW × 8 hours) and 800 MWh (100 MW × 8 hours) energy storage project, taking the total project capacity to 1 GWh.

NTPC will provide land on a lease basis for the installation and commissioning of the system. The EoI seeks details on the estimated total capital investment for the proposed pilot project, along with a cost breakup of all major components. This should include the scope of supply and services, inclusions, exclusions, terminal points, facilities required at the site, and a tentative project schedule. 

Intent of the EoI

Recognising the need for long-duration energy storage, NTPC has been actively exploring various LDES technologies. In this context, NTPC had earlier issued a global Expression of Interest in November 2022 to establish a pilot Long Duration Energy Storage System.

Based on the responses received, CO₂-based energy storage was identified as a promising option for pilot implementation. NTPC is currently implementing a CO₂-based energy storage project at Kudgi with a capacity of 160 MWh (20 MW for 8 hours) to gain operational experience in utility-scale long-duration energy storage. NTPC’s R&D division is also working on Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) technology and has already demonstrated a pilot plant.

The possibility of implementation of pilot/utility-scale projects may also be explored under any of the following project implementation models, based on the techno-commercial viability of the technologies.

i. EPC + O&M: Project executed on an EPC basis with ownership retained by NTPC, and Complete Engineering, Procurement & Construction and Operation & Maintenance carried out by the contractor for a defined period.
ii. Build, Own, Operate (BOO): Developer finances, owns, and operates the project and provides storage services to NTPC under a long-term agreement.
iii. Build, Own, Operate & Transfer (BOOT): Developer builds and operates the project for a concession period, after which the asset is transferred to NTPC.
iv. Shared / Hybrid Model: Project is implemented with shared investment, ownership, and/or operational responsibilities between NTPC and Develope