NTPC invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from technology providers and industry partners to develop and install a grid-connected Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) using sodium-ion battery technology at its existing thermal power stations and office buildings. Through the pilot project, NTPC aims to assess the potential of sodium-ion batteries for energy storage under Indian grid and climatic conditions. The initiative will also help the company evaluate the technology for future large-scale deployment.
Pilot to Assess Sodium-Ion Battery Performance
The proposed NTPC sodium-ion battery pilot will evaluate several technical and commercial parameters, including technical performance, safety and reliability, battery degradation, operational characteristics, grid performance and techno-commercial viability. The results will help NTPC determine whether sodium-ion battery technology can support larger-scale energy storage applications across its facilities.
NTPC Seeks Two Pilot Configurations
As part of the EoI, applicants must submit technical and techno-commercial proposals for two possible pilot configurations.
Option 1: A BESS with 100 kWh of usable energy capacity, providing a common benchmark for comparing the proposed technologies.
Option 2: A BESS with a capacity proposed by the applicant, based on a standard configuration and a scale suitable for demonstrating the technology effectively.
NTPC will determine the final pilot capacity and execution model after evaluating the proposed technology and its Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Funding Requirements Linked to Technology Readiness
The financial contribution expected from participants will depend on the maturity of the proposed sodium-ion battery technology. For technologies at TRL 4, involving validation in a laboratory environment, and TRL 5, involving model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment, the participating company must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost. However, for technologies at TRL 6 and above, which involve prototype demonstration in an industrial environment or higher levels of maturity, NTPC will not mandate a minimum financial contribution. Any contribution from the applicant for these higher-TRL technologies will instead be determined through mutually agreed commercial terms.
NTPC to Provide Site and Operational Support
NTPC will provide land within its premises for the installation and commissioning of the BESS. In addition, the company will support the pilot’s operation and maintenance activities. This arrangement will allow participating technology providers to demonstrate sodium-ion battery performance in an actual power-sector environment.
Pilot Could Support Future Energy Storage Deployment
The pilot represents NTPC’s effort to evaluate alternative battery technologies as India expands its energy storage requirements. As reported by pv.magazine-india.com, by testing sodium-ion batteries in real-world operating conditions, NTPC can assess their performance, safety and economic viability before considering broader deployment. The project could therefore contribute to the development of diversified and potentially more resilient battery energy storage solutions for India’s power sector.
