| Work Detail |
In a significant advancement for renewable energy in India, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has inaugurated the nation’s most extensive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The unveiling ceremony, conducted via video conferencing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2024, marks the operational commencement of this pioneering project situated in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
The BESS, characterized by its impressive 40 megawatts (MW) / 120 megawatt-hour (MWh) capacity, is paired with a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant boasting an installed capacity of 152.325 MWh and a dispatchable capacity of 100MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC). This innovative project aims to bolster Chhattisgarh’s peak energy requirements using sustainable sources while simultaneously aiding the state in fulfilling its renewable purchase obligations.
This project is notable for its strategic incorporation of bifacial modules, which enhance electricity generation by capturing reflected light, setting a new benchmark for renewable energy projects on a grand scale. A remarkable feature of the initiative is the utilization of 451 acres of previously unutilized land across nine villages, which was made possible through a collaborative agreement involving the Energy Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), and SECI. This approach not only champions sustainable energy project development but also minimizes environmental degradation.
Additionally, the project guarantees the stable and reliable delivery of power through a sophisticated 132 kilo-volt (kV) double-circuit double-string transmission line. This infrastructure ensures efficient power evacuation to the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited’s (CSPTCL) 220/132 kV Thelkadih substation, thereby facilitating its seamless integration into the current power grid.
Economically, the project is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement with CSPDCL, showcasing the project’s financial viability and the state’s endorsement of renewable energy initiatives. The construction was funded through contributions from the World Bank and Clean Technology Fund under the Innovation in Solar Power & Hybrid Technologies Project, with additional financial support from domestic lenders. This collective funding strategy underscores the project’s commercial appeal and sustainability.
This groundbreaking project is poised to make a significant impact on the renewable energy sector, showcasing India’s commitment to responsible land use and the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. It represents a forward leap in meeting energy demands through green solutions, contributing substantially to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions annually. |
