Tata Power Solar, a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has solidified its leadership in India’s renewable energy sector by successfully commissioning the country’s largest integrated solar-battery energy storage system (BESS) project. Located in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, this groundbreaking initiative boasts a mammoth 100 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant seamlessly integrated with a colossal 120 MWh BESS unit.
Setting the Bar for Large-Scale Solar Energy Storage
Completed in March 2024, the project marks a significant milestone for India’s clean energy ambitions. This first-of-its-kind integration, with a solar power generation capacity of 100 MW, represents a tenfold increase over the average rooftop solar installation size in India, which typically ranges from 1 kW to 10 kW. The massive 120 MWh BESS unit boasts enough energy storage capacity to power roughly 50,000 homes for an hour, signifying a substantial leap in large-scale solar energy storage solutions for the country. Secured through a competitive EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) tender process led by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in December 2021, the project represents a substantial investment of ₹945 crore.
Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Clean Energy Solutions
The project’s success is a testament to Tata Power Solar’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its proven expertise in tackling complex engineering challenges. Despite encountering obstacles such as challenging hard rock soil conditions and a remote project location, 250 kilometers away from the nearest major city, the company’s team leveraged its vast experience to ensure timely completion. This accomplishment serves as a crucial stepping stone towards achieving India’s ambitious goal of reaching 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, a target that would significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Powering a Sustainable Future with Clean Energy
The massive integrated solar-battery storage system is estimated to generate a staggering 243.53 million units of clean energy annually, enough to power approximately 200,000 average Indian households. This translates to a projected reduction in carbon footprint of a remarkable 4.87 million tonnes over a 25-year period, equivalent to planting over 243 million trees. Deepesh Nanda, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, applauded the project’s significance, emphasizing how it showcases Tata Power Solar’s industry-leading technical capabilities and project management skills. This achievement further solidifies Tata Power Solar’s position as a frontrunner in India’s renewable energy revolution, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future powered by innovative solar energy solutions.
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