Singareni Collieries Company Limited has begun harnessing surplus solar generation by deploying a battery energy storage system (BESS) to capture daytime output at the Mandamarri solar complex. The Singareni battery unit is the first and largest BESS project in Telangana and was commissioned under state government directions. The system stores excess solar energy in batteries for later use rather than allowing it to be supplied free to the grid.

In its first four months of operation the BESS stored 335,485 units of electricity and generated financial savings of Rs two point five seven million (mn) for Singareni, according to company officials. The facility captures surplus daytime output that would otherwise be exported without compensation and allows that energy to be used when demand rises or during lower production periods. Company representatives described the installation as an experimental measure to improve utilisation of captive solar assets.

The experimental BESS was installed in January with an investment of Rs 25 mn and serves as an auxiliary facility to the 28 megawatt (MW) Mandamarri solar plant. The project was developed following instructions from the chief minister and the energy minister as part of efforts to strengthen the operational efficiency of state energy assets. Officials indicated that the initiative aims to reduce losses and secure more predictable energy availability for Singareni operations.

The results in the early months are being monitored to assess scalability and cost benefits for similar plants across the state. If sustained, the savings and improved load management could inform wider deployment of storage solutions within the public sector. Singareni will continue to record performance data while the state evaluates the potential for further investment in storage technology.