India’s first commercially-approved standalone battery energy storage system (BESS), capable of providing four-hour daily power backup, is set to become operational soon, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) announced on Monday.
BESS Project Nears Completion in South Delhi
The 20 MW BESS project, located at Kilokri in South Delhi, is being installed at the 33 KV substation of BRPL. The facility is designed to enhance power supply reliability and improve grid stability in the congested Kilokri area, which houses nearly one lakh residents.
According to BSES, nine out of twelve liquid-cooled batteries have already been installed, with the remaining expected to be in place soon. The system is slated to go live by late March or early April 2025.
A Milestone for India’s Energy Transition
The BESS project, being developed in partnership with IndiGrid and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), marks India’s first commercially-approved standalone battery storage system at the distribution level.
The system is expected to improve grid flexibility, aid in renewable energy integration, and contribute to India’s clean energy transition. It will also serve as a model for future storage solutions, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and strengthening grid resilience.
Key Features of the 20 MW BESS
- Energy Storage Capacity: The system can provide four hours of power supply daily, split into two hours during the day and two at night.
- Advanced Battery Technology: It employs Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for their long life cycle and thermal stability.
- Grid Load Management: The storage system will charge during off-peak hours when surplus or low-cost power is available and discharge during peak demand, reducing the need for costly market purchases.
- Enhanced Power Supply & Savings: The stored power will help avoid costly purchases during high-demand periods, lowering power purchase costs and ensuring stable electricity supply.
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Setting a Benchmark for Future Energy Projects
The 12-year-long project will play a crucial role in grid modernization efforts by handling fluctuations in electricity demand and reducing network overload. BRPL has also outlined a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan to share insights with other distribution companies (DISCOMs), state regulators, and power sector stakeholders.
As India continues its push towards clean energy and smart grid solutions, the Kilokri BESS project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country.
