BSES has a new plan to keep Delhi's lights on, debuts India's largest battery storage system

In a groundbreaking move, BSES, a leading power distribution company in Delhi, has unveiled India's largest utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This state-of-the-art system guarantees continuous electricity supply to residential areas, even in the event of technical faults or grid failures.

The BESS project, currently under construction at BSES Rajdhani's Kilokari substation in south Delhi, is a pioneering initiative in India's energy sector. Once operational, it will serve as an alternative power source during local outages, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the area. BSES Rajdhani has obtained approval from the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to proceed with the project, which is expected to be commissioned within 10-12 months. Following its launch, the project will expand to cover more residential areas, benefiting a larger population.

According to officials, the BESS project is designed to address the challenges posed by extreme variations in electricity demand. It aims to improve power supply, reduce network overloading, and enhance grid stability. Additionally, it will help lower power procurement costs and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, thereby delaying the need for capacity upgrades at the Kilokri 33/11 kv power substation.

"The BESS is being installed using cutting-edge technology as a cost-effective option for managing electricity distribution at high and medium levels," said a BSES official.

This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between BSES Rajdhani, IndiGrid, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), aimed at enhancing power supply for approximately one lakh residents in Kilokri.

The BESS will utilize Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for its advanced and proven technology. This versatile system can function as a generation, transmission, and distribution asset, ensuring electricity supply during power cuts. It can operate both in parallel, when power supply is available, and islanded mode, isolating operations from power disturbances or failures.

"Earlier this month, there was a long power cut in parts of east and south Delhi due to a fire in a substation in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat area. This system can come handy in such scenarios and the residents of the area, where BESS is available, can enjoy the continuous supply. Power outages can be prevented by a BESS unit like this one," said an official in a TOI report.

The BESS will be charged during off-peak hours with surplus or low-cost power, which will be discharged during peak demand periods, thereby reducing power purchase costs and integrating renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, the launch of India's largest BESS by BSES marks a significant advancement in ensuring reliable and efficient power supply. The project's success is expected to set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country, benefiting consumers and the environment alike.

(With inputs from TOI)