NTPC invites global bids for sodium-ion battery storage pilot
Published · Updated
What happened
NTPC invited global expressions of interest to develop a grid-connected sodium-ion battery energy storage system pilot in India. The pilot is intended to evaluate technical performance in local operating conditions and to support renewable energy storage with an alternative chemistry to lithium-ion.
Why it matters
A large state-owned generator has opened a formal procurement channel for a new storage chemistry at utility scale. That can influence vendor participation, testing standards, and the next round of storage procurement if the pilot moves from EOI to tender and award.
On 2026-09-11, NTPC issued a global expression of interest for a grid-connected sodium-ion battery energy storage system pilot. The stated aim is to test sodium-ion technology under Indian grid and climate conditions and to reduce dependence on lithium-based storage supply chains. The move is an early-stage procurement signal rather than a binding deployment order, but it puts a state-owned power major behind a non-lithium storage pathway that could shape future utility-scale storage choices.
Watch for
NTPC Ltd upload of detailed EOI/tender documents on its procurement portal specifying pilot size, site, and bid timelines by 2026-09-15 Ministry of Power or MNRE statement after 2026-09-12 linking the NTPC pilot to domestic storage manufacturing or non-lithium procurement policy BSE/NSE filing by NTPC after 2026-09-12 disclosing board approval, capex envelope, or implementation partner criteria for the sodium-ion pilot Central Electricity Authority or CERC communication by 2026-09-15 on grid-integration, performance-testing, or standards treatment for sodium-ion BESS
Sources
- NTPC turns to sodium-ion storage, invites global bids · financialexpress.com