India First Commercial BESS to Boost Renewable Energy in Delhi

India’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is designed at a commercial utility scale, is set to become operational by March 2025 in South Delhi's Kilokri village. This groundbreaking project will play a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability of the energy supply and will significantly contribute to the integration of renewable energy with the national grid. The BESS is expected to store and manage energy efficiently, ensuring that the stored renewable energy can be deployed when demand peaks, thus reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources. By improving grid stability and energy access, this system aims to revolutionize the way India harnesses and utilizes renewable power, supporting the country’s broader goals of sustainable and clean energy use.

Key Features 

• Capacity:

  • The concept of battery clusters is a 20 MW / 40 MWh cluster of batteries.

  • Produce 4 hours of power daily them being the daytime hours and the nighttime hours.

• Energy Source:

  • Supported by renewable energy and operating through power purchase agreements.

• Location:

  • Located at Kilokri village in South Delhi India.

• Initiative:

  • Designed by BSES Rajdhani a joint venture of Reliance Group and Government of Delhi.

• Utility:

  • Delivers round-the-clock reliable power to over 12000 low-income consumers.

What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A BESS is an enhanced system in which energy can be stored and administrated depending on grid needs which helps integrate renewable power.

Components

• Batteries: These are lithium-ion, lead-acid, or flow batteries.

• Inverters: Change DC (stored) to AC (for connection with the grid).

• Battery Management System (BMS): Be alert on health and performance monitoring.

• Thermal Management System: It is responsible for controlling the temperature of the battery.

Advantages

• It is used to store any unwanted energy and also to supply backup power.

• Balances load and enhances flexibility in the system for integration of renewable generation resources.

• Provides clean power as well as inexpensive electricity.

Limitations

• The main negative aspect of this technology is the high initial cost of capital and the short cycle life of the devices.

• Distribution losses and costs increase over time and environmental impacts associated with the mining and disposal of critical minerals.

BESS in India: Present Scenario and Future Planning

• Current Capacity: India had about 37 MWh of BESS in the fiscal year 23.

• Target: Generate 4 GWh by 2026 and 4 GWh by 2030-31 with support from state funding and subsidies.

Impact

• Annual reduction of 1.3 MMT of carbon emission.

Government Initiatives

For BESS development, the following are the government initiatives that may be of support to the achievement of this goal or will get in the way:

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF):

  • Which are approved in September 2023 for 4 GWh capacity and to be commissioned by 2030-31.

  • Funds 40% of the capital cost of the project as the project’s source of finance.

• Total outlay: ₹3,760 crore for a triennial period 2023–24 to 2025-26.

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

  • ₹ 18,100 crore will be earmarked for the advanced cell chemistry of battery manufacturing.

Significance of the BESS Initiative

• Environmental Impact: Encourages consumption of clean energy, reliance on which is not associated with high emission of fossil fuels.

• Economic Growth: Enhances the stability of the electricity grid to afford both industrial and residential applications a stable source of electricity.

Conclusion

Delhi’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be a stepping stone in the integration of renewable generation into the grid. This project would mean affordable, clean energy for thousands of people while also eliminating barriers to green energy. Assisted by governmental measures, it points to India’s actions for decreasing CO2 emissions and improving the use of renewable energy sources.