Guwahati, Assam – A significant stride towards bolstering renewable energy integration in Northeast India has been taken with the collaborative effort of ONGC Tripura Power Company Ltd (OTPCL) and Assam Power Development Corporation Ltd. The two power giants have announced a joint venture focused on establishing a 250 MW battery energy storage system within Assam. This ambitious project marks a pioneering moment as the first initiative of its kind to be undertaken in the entire northeastern region of the country.
The core objective of this cutting-edge battery system is to harness the power of the sun and ensure a consistent energy supply. By capturing electricity generated from solar installations, the system will act as a crucial reserve, ready to dispatch stored energy during periods of peak demand. This capability is particularly vital during nighttime hours when solar power generation naturally ceases. Authorities anticipate that this strategic deployment of battery technology will substantially enhance the reliability of the power grid and optimize the utilization of solar energy resources across the region.
Highlighting the significance of this venture, an official from OTPCL stated, “We have floated a joint venture with the Assam Power Development Corporation to set up a 250-MW battery energy system in Assam.” The official further elaborated on the novel technology involved, explaining, “The technology is new to store solar power through a battery energy system for using it during the peak hours or at night when solar energy generation goes off.” This underscores the innovative approach being adopted to address the intermittency challenges associated with solar power.
Acknowledging the nascent stage of large-scale battery storage within India’s power landscape, the project is slated for phased development. The OTPCL official offered a simple yet effective analogy to explain the system’s function, likening the battery facility to an “electricity warehouse.” He clarified, “The power generated from solar sources will be stored in the facility, and later it will be supplied during peak hours or at night.” This initiative signals a strong commitment towards a sustainable and resilient energy future for Assam and the wider northeastern region.
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