Tata Power has received approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to install a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) across Mumbai within the next two years. The system will be implemented at ten strategically located sites, primarily near load centres across the city’s distribution network. The entire setup will be centrally monitored and controlled from Tata Power’s power system control center to ensure operational coordination and efficiency.
The BESS will be equipped with advanced ‘black start’ functionality, enabling rapid restoration of electricity supply to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, metro stations, the airport, and data centres during grid disturbances. This capability is intended to prevent widespread blackouts and enhance the resilience of Mumbai’s power system. The BESS reportedly has a high ramp-rate, and is also expected to support peak load management by stabilising supply during periods of high electricity demand.
In addition to improving reliability, the BESS will provide ancillary services like voltage support and frequency regulation, which will contribute to grid stability. It will allow better integration of renewable energy by storing surplus solar power during the day and supplying it during peak demand hours. The BESS will be integrated into the distributed energy resource management system to improve operational efficiency. Moreover, the system will feature three layers of temperature monitoring and fire suppression mechanisms at the cell, module, and rack levels to reduce risks of fire hazards. It is also designed for high round-trip efficiency and reduced auxiliary consumption, extending its service life and enhancing performance.
