Ministry of Heavy Industries Paves the Way for Advanced Chemistry Cell Manufacturing Expansion

New Delhi:  The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) successfully conducted a pre-bid meeting at IFCI Limited in New Delhi, setting the stage for the second round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) with a cumulative 10 GWh PLI ACC capacity. The meeting, held yesterday, witnessed active participation from industry stakeholders and government organizations, including NITI Aayog, M/o Power, MNRE, and industry association IESA, marking a significant stride toward enhancing India’s capabilities in ACC manufacturing.

This pre-bid meeting serves as a crucial step in the lead-up to the upcoming global tender, inviting bids for establishing giga-scale Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing facilities totaling 10 GWh capacity. The PLI ACC Scheme, a key initiative by the Indian government, aims to boost the manufacturing of technology-agnostic ACCs within the country. This aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector.

During the meeting, the Ministry provided a detailed presentation outlining the scope and objectives of the global tender for the 10 GWh ACC capacity. The session also included clarifications on technical specifications, eligibility criteria, and the evaluation process. Bidders have until March 4, 2024, to submit queries, with the last date for bid submission scheduled for April 22, 2024. The bids will be opened on April 23, 2024.

Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, acknowledged the pre-bid meeting as a crucial milestone in the tendering process. He emphasized the significance of the PLI ACC scheme in positioning India as a global leader in sustainable energy technologies. Dr. Pandey reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for domestic and international stakeholders, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) and developed India (Viksit Bharat).

The tender documents have been available since January 24, 2024, and the bidding process will follow an online transparent two-stage mechanism under the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) framework through the CPP Portal. This approach ensures fairness, transparency, and efficiency in selecting bidders, attracting top global talent to contribute to India’s ACC manufacturing landscape. The PLI ACC scheme is poised to drive advancements in renewable energy technology, reinforcing India’s commitment to a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.