Coal India, through its subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields, has invited bids for developing an 80 MW/320 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Odisha. The tender covers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the battery storage systems along with comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) services for 15 years.
The proposed BESS project in Odisha will be deployed across four locations: Padampur, New Bolangir, Bhatli and Basta. Each location will have a planned storage capacity of 20 MW/80 MWh, resulting in a combined project capacity of 80 MW/320 MWh. These sites are associated with Odisha’s transmission network and are intended to provide grid-scale energy storage support.
The four projects will be grouped into two clusters, with each cluster comprising 40 MW/160 MWh of BESS capacity. The storage systems are expected to provide energy during periods of demand and support grid operations, while also helping accommodate renewable power within Odisha’s electricity system. Coal India had previously secured the 80 MW/320 MWh capacity through the SECI-linked procurement process and received a Letter of Award from GRIDCO in April 2026.
Under the latest tender, the selected contractor will execute the project on an EPC basis. The scope includes detailed engineering and design, manufacturing and supply of equipment, civil and associated works, installation, testing and commissioning of the BESS facilities. The work also includes the required 33 kV switchyard evacuation bays and underground cable systems for grid connectivity.
The tender also includes comprehensive O&M services for 15 years following the applicable commissioning and performance requirements. The project is therefore structured to cover both the initial development of the storage facilities and their long-term operational support. The bid process is aimed at selecting an EPC contractor capable of delivering the complete BESS infrastructure at the four identified locations.
The Odisha project adds to Coal India’s expanding portfolio in the battery energy storage sector as the company moves beyond its traditional coal business into renewable energy and energy-storage infrastructure. The 80 MW/320 MWh project represents a significant grid-scale storage deployment and is expected to contribute to Odisha’s growing energy-storage capacity while supporting the integration and management of electricity from renewable sources.
