The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has successfully implemented a 40 MW/120 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project linked to a 100 MW solar power project. Located in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, it is the largest BESS project till date to be commissioned in India. SECI initially released the tender for the project, including the solar power component, in September 2020. Subsequently, they made adjustments in November 2020 and reissued the tender in July 2021. Following this, in December 2021, Tata Power secured the engineering, procurement, and construction contract.
Chhattisgarh will acquire the energy produced and stored at the project to fulfill its peak energy requirements utilising green electrons and meet renewable purchases obligations. SECI has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL). The solar project utilises bifacial modules to generate electricity during daytime, which is then stored in the BESS for subsequent use during the evening peak hours. The project has made use of 451 acres of unused land spanning nine villages in Dongargarh and Dongargaon tehsil of Rajnandgaon district. This was achieved through a three-party land-use permission agreement involving the energy department of the Chhattisgarh government, CSPDCL, and SECI.
The electricity generated by the project will be transmitted through a 132 kV double-circuit double-string transmission line to the 220/132 kV Thelkadih substation of the CSPDCL. The World Bank and Clean Technology Fund provided funding for the construction of the project under the Innovation in Solar Power and Hybrid Technologies Projects. Additionally, financial support was received from local lending agencies.
Recently, in February 2024, SECI issued a tender to set up 1,200 MW inter-state transmission connected wind-solar hybrid projects, tranche VIII, in India.
In the same month, SECI issued a tender for the establishment of cumulative 4,000 MW off-shore wind energy off the coast of Tamil Nadu.
