ACME Solar Holdings has emerged as the winning bidder in NHPC’s February 2025 tender for standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) projects totalling 275 MW/550 MWh in Andhra Pradesh. Under the award, ACME Solar will develop a 50 MW/100 MWh project at Kuppam, having bid a tariff of ₹2,10,000 per MW per month, and a 225 MW/450 MWh project at Ghani, at a tariff of ₹2,22,000 per MW per month. Both projects mandate system availability for two complete operational cycles of two hours each day, ensuring reliable energy storage, grid balancing, and support during peak demand periods.
To bridge financing gaps, NHPC will extend viability gap funding (VGF) of up to ₹27 lakh per MWh—or 30 percent of the total project cost, whichever is lower—to ACME Solar. This support structure, disbursed in stages linked to commissioning milestones, enhances project bankability and reflects government commitment to scaling energy storage alongside renewable generation. The auction is part of NHPC’s broader strategy to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s storage infrastructure and accelerate India’s transition towards a resilient, renewable-dominated energy mix.
These awards mark ACME Solar’s maiden entry into standalone BESS, augmenting its existing portfolio of solar, wind, floating solar (FDRE), and hybrid renewable energy assets. Company executives note that adding high-capacity storage will bolster grid stability, facilitate peak-shaving, enable frequency regulation, and support more flexible dispatch of clean power. The firm plans to mobilise EPC contractors and equipment suppliers immediately, with detailed project execution to commence in the coming months. Successful completion of these BESS projects will position ACME Solar as a key player in advanced energy storage solutions across India.
