The Maharashtra Government’s Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for developing a 14.3 MW ground-mounted solar power project integrated with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Shankarraoji Chavan Vishnupuri Project in Nanded district.
The project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the selected private concessionaire responsible for financing, designing, installing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the integrated solar and storage facility. The deadline for submitting bids is September 7, 2026.
The proposed project is part of efforts to improve the efficiency and long-term sustainability of the Vishnupuri Lift Irrigation Scheme, while linking renewable energy generation with the region’s water and agricultural infrastructure.
Solar + Storage Integration
The project will combine ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems with a co-located BESS. The selected concessionaire will be responsible for developing and managing both components throughout the concession period.
The storage system will need to meet the applicable requirements for projects achieving Commercial Operation Date (COD) in FY 2028–29. The proposed configuration requires storage power capacity of at least 50% of the contracted renewable energy capacity, with a minimum storage duration of two hours.
The project also provides a pathway for increasing the storage duration to four hours if the COD is delayed beyond FY 2029–30, subject to applicable policies and regulations.
25-Year Concession
The concession period is proposed to extend for 25 years from the Commercial Operation Date. The private-sector partner will undertake end-to-end responsibility for project development, operation, maintenance, asset management, and performance throughout this period.
The arrangement is intended to bring private-sector investment, technical expertise, and advanced operational capabilities to the irrigation infrastructure while increasing the use of renewable energy.
Located at Asarjan village in Nanded district, the Vishnupuri Lift Irrigation Scheme is an important part of the region’s agricultural infrastructure. The proposed solar-plus-storage project is expected to support the scheme’s energy requirements while contributing to Maharashtra’s broader renewable energy objectives.
Overall, the initiative represents Maharashtra’s growing focus on combining solar generation and energy storage with critical water infrastructure, creating a more reliable and sustainable energy model for the region.
