PNC Infratech secures 300 MW solar plus storage project in NHPC auction

PNC Infratech Ltd has been selected as one of the lowest (L1) bidders in NHPC’s Tranche-XI auction to develop an interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power project with integrated energy storage. The company secured 300 MW of solar capacity and 150 MW/600 MWh of energy storage, quoting a tariff of Rs 3.13 per kWh.

The auction, held under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route with an e-reverse auction on July 15, 2025, awarded a total of 1,200 MW of solar capacity and 600 MW/2,400 MWh of storage. NHPC Ltd is the Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) and will act as the power procurer under the 25-year power purchase agreements.

Alongside PNC Infratech, Reliance Infrastructure was awarded 390 MW, JBM Renewables 150 MW, and SAEL Industries 300 MW—all at Rs 3.13 per kWh. Navayuga Engineering Company secured 60 MW of its quoted 200 MW under the bucket-filling method.

The projects must be commissioned within 24 months from the signing date and can be located anywhere in India. Developers must implement projects on a build-own-operate basis and comply with a minimum energy storage requirement of 0.5 MW/2 MWh per MW of solar capacity. Only approved solar modules and established technologies are permitted.

The energy storage systems must be charged entirely using solar power, with a provision for up to 5 per cent annual charging from other renewable sources through green markets or bilateral deals.