Rajnandgaon: The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has successfully inaugurated India’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This groundbreaking project, commissioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi via video conferencing, integrates solar energy with a 40 megawatts (MW) / 120MWh BESS and a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with an installed capacity of 152.325 megawatt-hours (MWh). Located in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, the project aligns with the nation’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
The BESS, with a dispatchable capacity of 100MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC), serves as a pivotal asset in meeting the peak energy demand of Chhattisgarh. The energy generated will contribute to the state’s renewable purchase obligations, marking a significant stride toward green and sustainable energy practices.
This project represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy generation and utilization. By harnessing solar energy through photovoltaic panels and storing it in advanced battery systems, the initiative ensures a consistent power supply during peak demand hours, offering a sustainable solution for meeting the state’s electricity demand.
The project employs bifacial modules, which enhance energy generation by reflecting light from the ground. This innovation sets a new standard for large-scale renewable energy projects, emphasizing efficiency and output optimization.
Notably, the project adopts a strategic approach to land use, repurposing 451 acres of previously unused land across nine villages in Tehsil Dongargarh and Dongargaon, District Rajnandgaon. This sustainable land-use strategy minimizes environmental impact and underscores the project’s commitment to responsible development.
Ensuring power stability and reliability, the project facilitates efficient power evacuation through 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.
Apart from its environmental benefits, the project is anticipated to save substantial carbon dioxide emissions annually. SECI has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), emphasizing the project’s economic viability and the government’s support for renewable energy initiatives.
Funded by the World Bank and Clean Technology Fund under the Innovation in Solar Power & Hybrid Technologies Project, along with leveraged financing from domestic lending agencies, the project exemplifies collaborative efforts to drive sustainable financial arrangements. This commercial viability makes the project not only a landmark achievement in India’s renewable energy landscape but also a model for responsible land resource utilization globally.
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