TNGECL to shortly finalise contractors for 375 MW battery storage project

The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) is in the final stages of identifying contractors for setting up the 375 mega watt of battery storage facility to tap the excess solar energy in the State. The 1,500 MW per hour (MWh) capacity facility with a four-hour charging cycle is planned to be set up in seven substations serving the solar generating grids. 

A senior official of TNGECL said the technical evaluation of the tender bids is in process with contractors set to be identified shortly, and the work order will be issued by February. The facility would help the electricity department to tap the excess solar energy generated during the day, and supply them during peak evening hours. The project would augment the 1,000 MWh battery storage project which has already been initiated in the State. 

The State, having a total of 11,500 MW solar generation capacity on an average, generates 6,250 MW of power daily, and the battery storage project in substations would not only be able to supply electricity during evening peak hours when the demand rises, but also would help with grid stability. 

The project is being executed as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Power under the viability gap funding scheme for development of battery energy storage system (BESS) through the Power System Development Fund (PSDF). 

The battery storage system would be set up in three 230-kilo volt (KV) substations of Coimbatore, two substations in Tiruchi, and one each in Madurai and Thirunelveli. The project, to be executed by private contractors under the build, own and operate model, would be for a term of 15 years. Similarly the 500 MW/1000 MWh project is being developed in six substations, including Thennampatty, Anuppankulam, Ottapidaram, Vellalaviduthi, Kayathar and Karaikudi.