EPCG relaunches small battery storage tender in Nikšić after earlier bids failed

EPCG has relaunched procurement for a small battery energy storage system in the municipality of Nikšić after its earlier attempt earlier this year failed to attract bids. The decision points to a more incremental strategy for integrating storage into the local grid, with the utility adjusting both scope and contracting terms to improve execution prospects.

New tender scope and timeline

The updated invitation seeks offers for a battery energy storage system with an output range of 100 to 130 kW and a storage capacity of 200 to 270 kWh. Contractors have until 13 May to submit proposals. EPCG says the project is intended to strengthen local grid stability through modest, practical storage deployment.

Higher estimated value and stronger obligations

The renewed tender increases the estimated value to 90,000 euros, up from 75,000 euros in the previous round. That earlier process was cancelled in March after no bids were received by the February deadline.

Under the relaunch, the selected contractor must complete installation within 60 days of contract signing. The contractor will also be required to provide a warranty of at least five years, extendable up to twelve years—terms that suggest heightened expectations around delivery reliability and long-term performance.

Broader financing and scaling challenges

This is not EPCG’s first difficulty in the battery storage segment. A larger procurement launched last year—covering two systems with a combined capacity of 30 MW and 120 MWh—was abandoned after the government declined to approve loan financing. Valued at around 58 million euros, that effort underscored financing constraints and implementation hurdles when attempting to scale up storage infrastructure.

A measured path toward grid-scale storage

By restarting with a smaller project after bid failures, EPCG appears to be taking a more measured step toward bringing battery storage onto its network. For investors and market participants, the shift highlights how procurement design, delivery requirements, and access to financing can determine whether energy storage projects move from planning into implementation.