The West Bengal government has issued a global tender for a 250 MW / 1,000 MWh (4-hour) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Goaltore in Paschim Midnapore, making it the state’s first large-scale battery storage project. The project will be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model on land provided by West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). The developer will bear the full investment cost, estimated at around ₹1,000 crore, and will sign a power purchase agreement (PPA with WBSEDCL at a mutually agreed tariff.
Once operational—scheduled within two years—the BESS will supply up to 1,000 MWh during peak demand periods, helping the grid reduce dependence on costly thermal power and integrate larger volumes of renewable energy. A “greenshoe” option allows for an additional 250 MW / 1,000 MWh to be added in the future.
The tender aligns with West Bengal’s broader strategy to modernize its power infrastructure, balance the grid more effectively, and leverage existing transmission networks more efficiently. Industry observers say it signals the state’s ambition to become a leader in energy-storage adoption while improving reliability and clean-energy integration.
Development of the BESS is viewed as a key step in meeting resource adequacy targets for 2030 and beyond — supporting peak demand, enabling smoother renewable operations, and reducing power-purchase costs for the state.
