SJVN Issues Tender for Developers to Build 2 GW PSP Project Under BOO Model

SJVN has recently issued a Pumped Storage Project (PSP) tender seeking bids from developers to supply 2,000 MW of energy storage capacity. The Build Own Operate (BOO) tender offers to provide 8 hours of discharge, with a maximum of 5 hours of continuous discharge, from pumped storage power projects (PSP) in India. It has sought bids for this project until January 27, 2026.

Under the scope of work, SJVN requires developers to select the site, including all studies and investigations, preparation, and approval of Pre-Feasibility Report (PFRs) and Detailed Project Report (DPRs). Additionally, the tender requires bidders to obtain grid connectivity and power evacuation up to the pooling point. The bidders are also required to undertake basic drawing preparation based on a 40-year design life.

Recently, THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has commenced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the 3rd Unit (250 MW) of the 1,000 MW Tehri Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP), and is one of India’s first Variable Speed PSPs. 

The Central Public Sector Enterprise-backed project is one of the largest PSPs of its kind. On the commencement of the latest round of capacity, Manohar Lal announced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) process of the 3rd Unit (250 MW) of the 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) at Tehri, Uttarakhand.

Scope of Work

The SJVN tender allows the commissioning of the PSPs within a period of 5 years from the date of issuance of the LOA by SJVN. This includes 1 to 1.5 years for DPR preparation, land acquisition, studies, and detailed engineering, and a 3.5 to 4-year construction period (a total maximum of 5 years).

The tender also offers a minimum project capacity of 50 MW and a maximum project capacity of 2,000 MW. It allows the buying entity to not ask for or schedule any pumped storage capacity or energy in excess of one operational cycle—i.e., one cycle of charge and discharge of 8 hours, with a maximum of 5 hours of continuous discharge.

The buying entity may, at its discretion, utilize the pumped storage capacity by splitting the discharge cycle into a maximum of two sessions at rated power. The tender offers a maximum continuous duration of 5 hours in one session. However, it's subject to the condition that the total scheduled discharge of energy from the pumped storage capacity as demanded by the buying entity shall be limited to 75% of the energy supplied by the buying entity. Additionally, the tender allows the bidder to submit the PSP project location/configuration at the time of bid submission, which would then remain unchanged after submission of bids.