NTPC Limited has invited a Global Invitation of Expression of Interest (EOI) from technology providers for setting up a pilot grid-connected Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) based on sodium-ion battery technology.
The pilot project will be developed at existing NTPC thermal power stations or office buildings and aims to evaluate the potential of sodium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage applications under Indian operating conditions.
Through the initiative, NTPC is seeking participation from Indian and global companies, consortia, affiliates, and technology providers capable of designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning sodium-ion battery-based energy storage systems for demonstration purposes.
The proposed pilot will assess several key parameters, including technical performance, safety, reliability, degradation characteristics, operating behaviour, and techno-commercial viability under India’s grid and climatic conditions.
Applicants can propose a BESS with a usable energy capacity of 100 kWh or suggest an alternative capacity based on their standard technology configuration and demonstration requirements. The initiative will also examine the scalability and indigenous manufacturing potential of sodium-ion battery technology.
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention as a potential alternative to lithium-ion technology due to the abundant availability of sodium and the possibility of reducing dependence on imported lithium and other critical battery materials.
For technologies classified at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 and 5, applicants will be required to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost. No minimum financial contribution is mandatory for technologies at TRL 6 and above.
The last date for submission of EOI responses is October 15, 2026, while the responses are scheduled to be opened on October 16, 2026.
