The concept of battery storage has come a long way from the “magic boxes” that fascinated children during power outages in India. In 2017, Australia made a breakthrough by opening the world’s first large-scale battery storage plant, and soon after, the World Bank collaborated with India’s Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) to promote innovative renewable energy solutions. This led to the establishment of India’s first large-scale battery energy storage (BESS) facility in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, which marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to adopt cleaner energy.
The 40 MW facility, which can store up to three hours of solar power, is a monumental leap forward for India, and its success can be attributed to collaboration, innovation, and flexibility. Regular consultations with stakeholders, including central and state governments and local communities, ensured seamless project development. The facility was established on 450 acres of wasteland, with careful attention to environmental and social issues, and SECI avoided using land that would restrict communities’ access to natural resources or affect their livelihoods.
The project’s success also highlights the importance of developing standards, engaging with global suppliers, acquiring technical know-how, and structuring the project efficiently. The facility has opened up the market for commercial investments in battery storage facilities, with SECI and other entities issuing tenders for BESS operations of a cumulative capacity of approximately 38 GWh between 2018 and 2025. The facility has improved the quality of life for people in Chhattisgarh, providing green energy at a relatively lower tariff in the evenings when demand for power is at its highest, and offsetting about 170,000 tons of carbon emissions a year.
The project’s impact is significant, and it will continue to run for the next 25 years, providing valuable insights for future efforts in battery storage. The facility has become a milestone in India’s efforts to adopt cleaner energy, and its success will contribute to the country’s goal of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. As the world moves towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, the insights gained from this project will prove invaluable, both in India and internationally. The “magic boxes” of yore have given way to a new era of innovative renewable energy solutions, and Chhattisgarh’s groundbreaking initiative has paved the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.