+
India Unveils Largest Battery Energy Storage System in Chhattisgarh
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India Unveils Largest Battery Energy Storage System in Chhattisgarh

In a significant milestone for India's renewable energy sector, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has successfully commissioned the country's largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This groundbreaking project, incorporating solar energy storage technology, is set to revolutionize the utilization of renewable resources. The 40 megawatts (MW) / 120MWh BESS, coupled with a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant boasting an installed capacity of 152.325 megawatt hour (MWh), and a dispatchable capacity of 100MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC), finds its home in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. The state of Chhattisgarh is poised to benefit from this initiative as it contributes significantly to meeting peak energy demand while fulfilling renewable purchase obligations.

Today, on February 24, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated this monumental project to the nation via video conferencing, underscoring the government's commitment to green energy initiatives.

The project's innovative use of solar panels combined with battery storage represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy generation. By storing solar energy during daylight hours and utilizing it during peak demand periods, the project ensures a sustainable and reliable power supply for the state. Additionally, the deployment of bifacial modules, enhancing electricity generation through light reflection, sets a new standard for large-scale renewable energy ventures.

One of the project's unique aspects is its utilization of previously unused land. Through a strategic agreement involving the Energy Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), and SECI, 451 acres of wasteland across 9 villages in Tehsil Dongargarh and Dongargaon, District Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, have been repurposed for this sustainable energy endeavor. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also maximizes land utility for the benefit of society.

To ensure power stability and reliability, the project employs an efficient power evacuation system via a 132 kilo-volt (kV) double-circuit double-string transmission line to the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited?s (CSPTCL) 220/132 kilovolt (kV) Thelkadih substation, seamlessly integrating into the existing power grid.

Moreover, the project's environmental impact is significant, estimated to save tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. SECI's long-term power purchase agreement with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) highlights the economic viability and support for renewable energy initiatives.

Funded by the World Bank and the Clean Technology Fund under the Innovation in Solar Power & Hybrid Technologies Project, as well as leveraging financing from domestic lending agencies, this project exemplifies collaborative efforts to drive sustainable financial arrangements, ensuring its commercial attractiveness and viability.

The commissioning of India's largest Battery Energy Storage System in Chhattisgarh marks a pivotal moment in the country's renewable energy journey. With its far-reaching positive impact on the renewable energy landscape and responsible utilization of land resources, this project sets a precedent for sustainable development, both in India and globally.

In a significant milestone for India's renewable energy sector, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has successfully commissioned the country's largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This groundbreaking project, incorporating solar energy storage technology, is set to revolutionize the utilization of renewable resources. The 40 megawatts (MW) / 120MWh BESS, coupled with a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant boasting an installed capacity of 152.325 megawatt hour (MWh), and a dispatchable capacity of 100MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC), finds its home in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. The state of Chhattisgarh is poised to benefit from this initiative as it contributes significantly to meeting peak energy demand while fulfilling renewable purchase obligations. Today, on February 24, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated this monumental project to the nation via video conferencing, underscoring the government's commitment to green energy initiatives. The project's innovative use of solar panels combined with battery storage represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy generation. By storing solar energy during daylight hours and utilizing it during peak demand periods, the project ensures a sustainable and reliable power supply for the state. Additionally, the deployment of bifacial modules, enhancing electricity generation through light reflection, sets a new standard for large-scale renewable energy ventures. One of the project's unique aspects is its utilization of previously unused land. Through a strategic agreement involving the Energy Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), and SECI, 451 acres of wasteland across 9 villages in Tehsil Dongargarh and Dongargaon, District Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, have been repurposed for this sustainable energy endeavor. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also maximizes land utility for the benefit of society. To ensure power stability and reliability, the project employs an efficient power evacuation system via a 132 kilo-volt (kV) double-circuit double-string transmission line to the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited?s (CSPTCL) 220/132 kilovolt (kV) Thelkadih substation, seamlessly integrating into the existing power grid. Moreover, the project's environmental impact is significant, estimated to save tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. SECI's long-term power purchase agreement with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) highlights the economic viability and support for renewable energy initiatives. Funded by the World Bank and the Clean Technology Fund under the Innovation in Solar Power & Hybrid Technologies Project, as well as leveraging financing from domestic lending agencies, this project exemplifies collaborative efforts to drive sustainable financial arrangements, ensuring its commercial attractiveness and viability. The commissioning of India's largest Battery Energy Storage System in Chhattisgarh marks a pivotal moment in the country's renewable energy journey. With its far-reaching positive impact on the renewable energy landscape and responsible utilization of land resources, this project sets a precedent for sustainable development, both in India and globally.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UP Cabinet Approves Renaming Jewar Airport After PM Modi

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Noida International Airport at Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting, saying the airport represented a major contribution to the state and would become Uttar Pradesh’s largest airport and a significant aviation hub. The greenfield airport’s foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 25, 2021. He inaugurated Phase 1 on March 28, 2026, and commercial flights began on June 15. The facility is being developed a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Rolls-Royce Seeks Deeper Strategic Role in India

Rolls-Royce has described India as central to its long-term ambitions and said it wants to deepen its role as a strategic partner supporting the country’s energy security, infrastructure growth, national security and connectivity. The British aero-engine maker said its future expansion would build on decades of operations, industrial partnerships, engineering capabilities and a growing manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystem. The company held a board meeting in India for the first time this week. During a three-day visit, Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Nare..

Next Story
Building Material

JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Grinding Unit at Nagaur

JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur in Rajasthan. MTPA refers to million tonnes per annum. The commissioning has increased the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA. The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, which comprised a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. Following the latest commissioning, the plant’s total cement grinding cap..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code