.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): The Game-Changer for Continuous Power
The adage, “Electricity must be consumed as soon as it is generated… it cannot be stored,” is quickly becoming a relic of the past in the power sector. Times have changed, and so has technology. Today, generating, storing, and utilizing electricity when needed is the new reality, all thanks to advancements like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Ads
What is BESS?
Simply put, BESS involves storing generated power in large-capacity batteries. To draw a parallel, think of the solar units installed on our homes. They generate electricity when the sun is out, which we use while simultaneously storing excess energy in batteries. At night or when it’s cloudy, we tap into the stored battery power. BESS operates on the same principle, but on a massive, utility-scale level.
The Rise of Renewable Energy and the Storage Imperative
Historically, power generation was dominated by thermal, hydro, gas, and biomass sources. However, solar and wind power plants have proliferated rapidly. These are clean, green power sources with zero pollution. The challenge lies in their intermittent nature—they only generate power when the wind blows or the sun shines. What happens when these conditions aren’t met, or when reservoir levels are low?
This is where BESS becomes crucial. Storing the electricity generated by Renewable Energy (RE) plants offers several critical advantages:
- On-Demand Availability: Power can be drawn and used precisely when needed.
- Grid Stability: BESS helps maintain grid frequency, preventing grid collapse.
- Peak Demand Management: It enables the grid to handle demand surges during peak hours.
- Blackout Backup: BESS provides backup power during electricity cuts or blackouts.
In essence, Battery Energy Storage Systems are the key to uninterrupted power supply.
Beyond Reliability: Environmental Impact
Another paramount benefit of battery energy storage is its role in reducing complete reliance on polluting thermal power plants. By decreasing dependence on fossil fuels like coal, BESS actively contributes to mitigating the effects of global warming and promoting a cleaner environment.
Global Momentum and India’s Ambition
Developed nations are rapidly adopting this technology. The Moss Landing Energy Storage facility in California, with a capacity of approximately 750 MW (3,000 MWh), is one of the world’s largest. Other significant projects include Australia’s Vulcain Power (460 MW – capacity unclear) and the famous Tesla Big Battery (Hornsdale Power Reserve), which has a capacity of 150 MW (194 MWh).
In India, TSGENCO (Telangana Genco) has been planning for some time to set up a 500 MW capacity battery storage system at Sankarapally, poised to become one of the country’s largest single-site plants, with support from the central government’s Viability Gap Funding. Additionally, Reliance NU Sunteq is reportedly planning a 465 MW capacity system, which would be Asia’s largest single-site battery storage facility after China.
Telangana’s Leap Towards World-Class Storage
The Telangana government is now reportedly preparing to establish an even larger storage plant, aiming for a world-best, biggest-scale facility. While the implementation model (PPP or through TSGENCO) is yet to be confirmed, the central government gave a preliminary ‘okay’ last July, and the State Cabinet has now approved the move.
The state is also considering demolishing the aging, 52-year-old, polluting Ramagundam-B (RTS-B) plant and building an 800 MW Super Critical Thermal Plant in its place—a significant decision aimed at modernizing its energy infrastructure.
A Suggestion for the State: The Power of Hybrids
As the government moves forward with these ambitious plans, a key suggestion would be to explore and invest heavily in PHS (Pumped Hydro Storage) and Hybrid Power projects. Integrating PHS, which uses water to store energy, alongside battery storage, would offer multiple benefits and further strengthen Telangana’s energy security and sustainability goals.
Share this Article