Kerala has taken a significant step towards energy resilience with the installation of its first decentralised, solar-powered, grid-interactive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the PMG headquarters of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert).

The system is capable of powering loads of up to 100 kilowatts (kW) and is equipped with a 150 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery bank. This enables uninterrupted power supply for up to 90 minutes at full load in the event of outages in solar generation or grid electricity.

The BESS unit was inaugurated by Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, alongside a demonstration of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.

The prefabricated BESS module includes:

Power supply and distribution systems

Real-time monitoring and control

Fire protection and environmental control

Integrated Battery Management System (BMS) and Energy Management System (EMS)

Designed to replace diesel generators, the system ensures round-the-clock energy supply using only renewable sources and storage. It also enables energy export during peak hours and supports electric vehicle (EV) charging.

One of its key innovations is mobility—in an emergency, the BESS can be disconnected and transported to re-power another building or site.

During grid failures, the BESS switches to off-grid mode, maintaining uninterrupted operation. Once the grid is restored, the system reverts seamlessly to its original state.

With Kerala witnessing a rapid increase in solar capacity, energy agencies including the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) are ramping up efforts in BESS and pumped storage projects (PSPs).

A recent discussion paper from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission highlighted the growing relevance of BESS in storing excess solar energy generated during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak hours.