Introduction: ACC PLI Scheme 2026

The ACC PLI Scheme 2026 gives battery makers a rare chance to win a cash subsidy from the Government of India. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has invited bids for 10 GWh of new Advanced Chemistry Cell capacity. This capacity is meant only for grid scale stationary storage. However, the bid window is short. Therefore, you need clear facts before you decide.

The ACC PLI subsidy 2026, eligibility, investment, and value addition rules. It also covers the bid process. We checked every figure against the official RFP, the draft Programme Agreement, the tripartite agreement, and the pre-bid query responses.

What Is the ACC PLI Scheme 2026?

The ACC PLI Scheme 2026 is the latest round of the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage. Selected firms set up ACC factories in India. In return, they receive a cash subsidy on every kWh of cells they sell for grid storage.

Here are the key numbers immediately:

• Capacity on offer: 10 GWh in total.
• Your share: 1 GWh to 4 GWh per bidder, in blocks of 1 GWh.
• Subsidy ceiling: ₹1,500 per kWh as the quoted base subsidy.
• Net worth needed: ₹150 crore per GWh.
• Investment needed: ₹150 crore per GWh, excluding land.
• Value addition: 25% in 2 years and 40% in 5 years.

Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage Scheme in 2021. The outlay was ₹18,100 crore. The target was 50 GWh of cell capacity in India. Earlier rounds have already awarded 40 GWh to domestic manufacturers. As a result, the remaining 10 GWh is now open for grid scale stationary storage.

India imports almost all its cells today. Therefore, the Advanced Chemistry Cell PLI Scheme aims to build local factories and local supply chains. The scheme is also technology neutral. So, you may choose any chemistry that meets the performance matrix.

One warning matters here. The 2021 rules and the 2026 rules differ. The 2021 round needed ₹225 crore per GWh and 60% value addition. The 10 GWh ACC RFP 2026 needs ₹150 crore per GWh and 40% value addition. Similarly, the 2021 addenda do not apply to this new RFP. Always use the 2026 documents.

ACC PLI Scheme Eligibility: Who Can Bid?

You can bid as a single company, a consortium, an Alternative Investment Fund or a foreign investment fund. Each route has its own test. Still, the core test is net worth.

Net worth requirement. A company needs a net worth of ₹150 crore for each GWh it commits. For example, a 1 GWh bid needs ₹150 crore. Likewise, a 4 GWh bid needs ₹600 crore. A fund can qualify through its available investible capital instead.

Consortium rule. The lead member must meet the net worth test. In addition, it must hold at least 26% of the project company for 5 years.

Earlier bidders. Firms from the 2021 and 2024 tenders may bid again. However, their total allocation across all rounds cannot exceed 20 GWh.

Border country rule. Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India must register under the General Financial Rules order. Otherwise, they cannot bid.

Auditor proof. A statutory auditor must certify your net worth. You must also attach the latest audited annual reports.

ACC PLI Subsidy 2026: How the Money Works

The ACC PLI subsidy is a cash incentive paid every quarter. The government pays it on cells you sell for grid storage. It is not a capital grant. Therefore, you earn it only after production and sales begin.

Performance Matrix: Your Cell Decides the Rate

Your actual rate depends on cell quality. The matrix links energy efficiency and cycle life to a multiplier on A.

Cells below 4,000 cycles or 75% efficiency do not qualify. Also, both values must come from the same depth of discharge. An NABL accredited lab tests the cells. Because full cycle tests take time, a partial test sets the first payments. Later, the full test result trues up the amount.

Phasing, Duration and Caps

The subsidy steps down over time:

Also, payments run for up to 5 years from your Milestone 1 certificate. In years 6 and 7, you must keep your committed capacity and value addition. No payment comes after the 7th anniversary of the Appointed Date.

Two caps also apply. First, the subsidy cannot exceed 20% of the cell sale price, excluding taxes. Second, the total subsidy cannot exceed ₹362 crore per GWh.

Who Can Use the Cells?

Cells must serve grid scale stationary storage only. This means battery systems connected to the grid. For example, they cover renewable integration, energy time shift, capacity firming and black start support.

ACC PLI Investment Requirement

You must invest at least ₹150 crore per GWh within 2 years of the Appointed Date. Land cost does not count. This is Milestone 1.

Next, the agreement defines what counts as investment. It includes plant, machinery, utilities, testing equipment, R&D capital spending and technology transfer costs. However, only spending after the Letter of Award counts. For a special purpose company, spending after its incorporation counts.

Existing factories can bid as brownfield projects. Even so, you must build a dedicated line. You must also keep separate books and ring fence it from the old plant. Only cells from that dedicated line earn the subsidy.

ACC PLI Value Addition Rules

Value addition is the share of manufacturing done in India. First, you must reach 25% within 2 years. Then you must reach at least 40% within 5 years.

You may achieve it in one integrated plant. Alternatively, you may use a hub and spoke model with Indian suppliers. The calculation starts with sale value. Then it deducts raw material, fuel and foreign royalty costs. After that, it adds value created by Indian partner units.

Two checks matter. The product must change its six-digit HSN code during manufacture. Also, a chartered accountant must certify the figures. Partner units may need auditor certificates too. Therefore, keep clean cost records from day one.

Penalties You Must Plan For

Overall, the scheme rewards delivery and punishes delay. The Programme Agreement asks for a performance security of ₹10 crore per GWh. For 4 GWh, it is ₹40 crore. Late milestones attract damages of 0.1% of that security per day. In addition, the government may end the agreement after an 18-month delay.

Shortfalls also cut your subsidy. If you miss committed capacity, the government deducts twice the subsidy for the missing GWh. If you miss committed value addition, it deducts the gap from your payout. Six straight quarters of deductions can stop the subsidy entirely.

How an ACC PLI Consultant Helps

A strong bid needs finance, technical and legal inputs together. Moreover, a small error can cost you the entire bid. Therefore, many applicants hire an ACC subsidy consultant in India.

Finraja Consultancy Pvt Ltd works as a subsidy consultancy. As an ACC PLI consultant, we can support you in these ways:

• Check your eligibility and net worth position.
• Plan capacity, value addition and subsidy quotes.
• Prepare bid documents and auditor checklists.
• Guide you on bank guarantee and submission steps.
• Support state talks and later subsidy claims.

If you need a battery manufacturing subsidy consultant in India, contact us early.

FAQs on the ACC PLI Scheme 2026

What is the last date for the 10 GWh ACC RFP 2026? The bid due date is 13 October 2026 at 4:00 PM IST. Technical bids open the next day.

What is the ACC PLI subsidy per kWh? The quoted base subsidy cannot exceed ₹1,500 per kWh. Your final rate depends on cycle life, efficiency, phasing and value addition.

What net worth does the ACC PLI Scheme need? You need ₹150 crore per GWh of committed capacity.

How much capacity can one bidder get? A bidder can get 1 GWh to 4 GWh in blocks of 1 GWh.

Can I sell these cells for electric vehicles? No. Subsidized cells must serve grid scale stationary storage only.

Conclusion

The ACC PLI Scheme 2026 is a strong chance for serious battery makers. The government offers a cash subsidy of up to ₹1,500 per kWh as the quoted base rate, and you can bid for 1 GWh to 4 GWh. However, the rules are strict. You need ₹150 crore of net worth per GWh. You must also invest ₹150 crore per GWh and reach 40% value addition within 5 years. Missed milestones lead to penalties, so careful planning matters.

Need expert help with the ACC PLI Scheme 2026? Finraja Consultancy Pvt Ltd can check your eligibility, plan your numbers, and guide your bid. Contact us today for a quick review.

Call us now: +91 9373114747 or visit finraja.com/contact for quick assistance.