India's Largest Battery Energy Storage System to Counter Power Outages

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 Kilokari 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 Kilokari.

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.