Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: The power distribution company BSES‘ first battery energy storage system (BESS), which ensures continuous electricity supply even if there is a technical fault in the transmission or distribution system or a snag in the grid, is likely to be operational in three-four weeks.
Being installed in south Delhi’s Kilokri substation, the system will serve as an alternate source of supply in the local area in case of a power cut due to unforeseen reasons. BSES Rajdhani officials said it would be India’s first “utility-scale standalone” BESS and the largest in South Asia.
According to officials, the system is designed to be housed in 12 liquid-cooled containers, maintaining a constant temperature of 24-25 degrees Celsius to ensure optimal performance and longevity. “Of the 12 batteries, nine are installed while three will be installed shortly. We hope the system will go live by the end of March or the first week of April,” said an official.
The 20MW (40 MWh) BESS, with a lifespan of 12 years, is being strategically installed at a 33/11 kV Kilokari substation. Once the system is deployed, it will substantially improve the power quality and reliability for around one lakh residents. It will be capable of providing four hours of power every day (two hours each during the day and at night),” said an official.
“This initiative is designed to handle the extreme variations in electricity demand, improve power supply, enhance grid stability, reduce costs of power procurement, integrate renewable energy and over network overloading, deferring the need for capacity upgrades,” he added.
Since BESS will be charged during off-peak hours with surplus or low-cost power available, it will help save on power purchase costs. It will also help BSES Rajdhani meet renewable power obligations and comply with grid codes.
During peak hours, especially in summer when the power load is maximum, the system will help avoid draw from the grid, avoiding overloading and hence deferring the need for grid augmentation. “For this very reason, it will be useful in congested areas,” said an official.
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, which caters to north Delhi areas, installed the country’s first battery energy storage system in Rohini in 2019, with a capacity of 10 MW. “BESS Rohini has played a crucial role in preventing blackouts,” said HC Sharma, chief of technical services at Tata Power DDL.
Mayank Rawat
