PFCCL issues RFP for Satara pumped storage transmission scheme
PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) has floated a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of a Transmission Service Provider (TSP) to develop the “Network Expansion Scheme in Western Region to cater to pumped storage potential near Satara (up to 4500 MW) – Part A” under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS).
The project will be implemented on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis and is intended to support the integration of pumped storage projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra’s Satara region. The scheme will also create an additional 765 kV inter-regional transmission corridor between the Southern and Western regional grids.
The Ministry of Power appointed PFCCL as the Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) for the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process through a Gazette Notification dated March 24, 2026.
The transmission scheme will be executed in two phases. Phase-I, designed for 1,800 MW capacity, includes establishment of a 765 kV level at the Kolhapur (PG) gas insulated substation (GIS), development of a new 765/400 kV Satara substation, and loop-in loop-out (LILO) of the Pune-III – Pune (East) 765 kV double-circuit (D/C) line. The scheduled commercial operation date (SCOD) for this phase is March 31, 2029.
Phase-II will expand the evacuation capacity to 4,500 MW through the addition of a Kolhapur-Satara 765 kV D/C transmission line and further transformation capacity. This phase is targeted for completion by December 31, 2029.
Under the bidding framework, the selected bidder will acquire 100% equity shares of the project-specific special purpose vehicle (SPV) from PFCCL at a price to be notified later. The bidding process will be conducted electronically through the MSTC platform using a single-stage, two-envelope process followed by an e-reverse auction for technically qualified bidders.
The last date for online bid submission is July 3, 2026. The RFP document will remain available for purchase from May 1 to July 2, 2026, against a non-refundable fee of Rs 5,00,000.
The bid bond requirement has been fixed at Rs 40.40 crore, while the contract performance guarantee stands at Rs 101 crore. Bidders are required to meet a minimum net worth criterion of Rs 808 crore.
The project forms part of India’s broader pumped storage development strategy aimed at supporting renewable energy integration and improving grid flexibility. Maharashtra’s Satara region alone has an identified pumped storage potential exceeding 10 GW.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
